Intent
“Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning.”
EYFS At Woodchurch CE Primary
At Woodchurch CE Primary School we offer a curriculum rich in wonder and memorable experiences. Children in our Early Years, on average, arrive with much lower starting points than national. Our curriculum aims to lay a secure foundation for future learning. We work hard to provide a stimulating environment that provides exciting opportunities, promotes challenge, exploration, adventure and a real love of learning. It is our intent that all children develop physically, verbally, cognitively and emotionally in an environment which values all cultures, communities and people.
Our strong Christian ethos is evident across the whole school and children are encouraged to behave in a caring fashion towards each other and to extend that friendship into the wider community and parish. We aim for our children to be confident and independent, to believe in themselves and interact positively with others.
We understand that play is an integral part of learning and this is at the heart of our Early Years curriculum. We believe that the correct mix of adult directed and uninterrupted child-initiated play ensures the best outcomes for pupils. Warm and positive relationships between staff and children, consistent routines and strong relationships with parents are key. We aim to work with parents and carers to encourage independent, enthusiastic learners who thrive and reach their full potential. We recognise the crucial role that Early Year’s education has to play in providing firm foundations upon which the rest of a child’s education is successfully based.
Our aim is for our children to become curious, creative, critical, resilient and independent learners who are able to collaborate with others individuals and groups.
How do we deliver the EYFS Curriculum?
At Woodchurch CE Primary School we meet the welfare requirements laid down in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and actively safeguard and promote the welfare of all of our children.
We prioritise creating a ‘language rich’ environment through the use of songs, nursery rhymes, stories and providing time for quality interactions between adults and between peers. We believe that oracy and spoken language is key and place a high value on communication and language, alongside personal, social and emotional development throughout the day. Trained staff ensure that interactions are positive and progressive, allowing children to flourish and gather words at pace in order to become confident communicators. Children are encouraged to become early readers through enjoyment of books and the systematic teaching of phonics.
The children learn nursery rhymes and develop their mathematical thinking through direct teaching and exploration. We want our children to become confident mathematicians who can apply what they have learnt to real life experiences. Our Early Years curriculum is a carefully planned learning experience.
Children are taught through topics which are enriched with classroom enhancements, trips and visitors. Children are asked key questions led with “I wonder why…?” and work together to unravel the threads of the theme and put them back together again. Entwined within our curriculum are whole school themed days and experiences, which reflect our school community and nurture respectful members of society. Topics are supported by quality key texts to create an integrated approach to learning from which pupils can experience the full curriculum. These are chosen carefully to encourage children’s speech, language and communication development. All planning however, is flexible and responsive to children’s needs so that a child’s unique interests are supported.
Through our curriculum our children learn about risks and safety, how to make good choices and gain an understanding of boundaries. They develop into independent, confident and successful learners. Children are provided with plenty of time to engage in ‘exploration’ throughout the variety of experiences carefully planned to engage and challenge them in the provision.
The curriculum is planned for the inside and outside classrooms and equal importance is given to learning in both areas. Our curriculum is planned in a cross-curricular way to enable all aspects of the children’s development, as well as to promote sustained thinking and active learning.
Children are supported to learn to work together, manage their feelings and ask questions through skilled adult interactions. Ongoing assessments are used to inform planning and the next steps in teaching and learning for all children throughout the year. At the end of the year each child is assessed against the end of year Early Learning Goals, in line with current guidance.
CONTACT US
Headteacher: Mr Brian McGregor
Church Lane, Woodchurch
Wirral CH49 7LS
0151 677 4788
schooloffice@woodchurch-pri.wirral.sch.uk