We believe that every child is a unique child. We aim to build positive relationships with your child as soon as possible with several opportunities to meet the team in their in our Foundation Stage before your child starts with us. We create an environment which enables your child to develop their independence and develop in their own way at their own rate.

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (DFE, 2021) is our statutory guidance. The EYFS curriculum is designed to develop lifelong skills and a love of learning. The three prime areas underpin all learning at Crowmarsh and our holistic curriculum reflects this.  Cross Curricular links are planned across all areas of learning. Our Curriculum acknowledges the importance of communication, developing and extending vocabulary as well as developing oracy skills. Children develop the skills, knowledge, understanding and motivation that they need to be effective learners as they continue their Learning Journey. The children are given learning opportunities, activities and experiences which incorporate the seven areas of learning. Teaching and Learning is largely through a play based learning approach as well as through small group learning and adult focused sessions, either with the class teacher or in families with your child’s key person.

“Three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.” (Statutory Guidance for the Foundation Stage (DFE, 2021) These three areas underpin our curriculum. Communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development. These along with Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the world and Expressive arts and design are taught through the interests of the children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage at Crowmarsh Gifford use the outdoor environment as an extension of the classroom and during child led learning the door is always open so the children can freely access indoors and outdoors. We also use the outdoor environment for adult led sessions where appropriate to enhance the learning experience.

EYFS Reception Class

In Class R each term the children have a discussion about what they would like to learn and their learning is planned around the questions they have or the themes they are interested in. The timetable changes throughout the year depending on the development of the children. The timetable includes; phonics, adult focus time, child led learning (WILD time), maths, quiet time, and handwriting; write dance, dough disco, squiggle and wiggle or practising letter formation. On a weekly basis the children have a hall session and the children walk around the local area on a Monday morning as an opportunity to learn the importance of road safety and staying safe out and about. Our curriculum is enhanced as much as possible with trips and visitors.