Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - Reception 4-5 year olds
At Lynams we offer a broad and balanced Foundation Stage curriculum using the Early Learning Goals as our starting point. This is based on six areas of learning:
We aim to embellish and enhance this curriculum, offering children as many learning opportunities as possible whilst continuing to place a strong emphasis on the acquisition of basic skills vital to their further education. We are aware that pupils enter the Foundation Stage at a variety of stages both in maturity and academic ability. We understand that children learn the same thing in different ways and that progression in their learning happens at different times and at different rates. Some will learn more readily looking at books and talking about things they see, others will learn more through being outdoors or through music and dance. We cater for children's individual needs within each area of the curriculum, building on from their existing understanding and experiences. Early Years Curriculum
Personal, Social, Emotional Development
Communication, Language and Literacy
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
Knowledge and Understanding
Creative Development
Physical Development
How parents can helpBefore your children start at school please ensure that they can meet their own personal needs (use the loo independently, dress and undress themselves with minimum help, use a knife and fork). It would help them further if they can:
Admissions into the Early YearsChildren are admitted full-time into Reception the September after their fourth birthday. During the first two weeks of school, children will only be required to attend school in the morning. The school day begins with registration at 8.45am and ends at 3.30pm. During the Christmas and Easter terms, Reception children finish at 12.20pm on a Wednesday. In the summer term they stay for the full week in preparation for Year 1. |
Children learn most effectively through a mixture of self-initiated experiences and adult-planned instruction. In play, young children learn much about themselves and the world around them. The children are, therefore, given daily opportunities to explore and investigate in free play situations alongside their more formal teaching.
We value each and every child as an individual, and provide a supportive environment where they learn to trust others, co-operate and develop self-confidence. Independence and responsibility for their own belongings are encouraged. Children learn what behaviour is appropriate, how to share and to respect and appreciate other people.
Literacy in the Early Years is approached through practical, inspiring activities and children are encouraged to talk and communicate their ideas. By the time they enter Reception many children can recognise some letters and words from the books they have shared at home. In Reception we will continue to develop the child's reading skills through the enjoyment of a variety of stories and rhymes. Each child will come home with individual reading books to enjoy at home and also a box of words to help develop blending and sight recognition of words. In addition, all children in Reception will choose a book for themselves from the school library. These are intended to be read with the child, to support reading further.
In mathematics children will experience a variety of activities which will teach them to count, sort objects, make and copy patterns, write numbers and recognise shapes. Every opportunity is taken to use mathematical language in other activities. During the Reception year, the children will be introduced to basic calculations, problem-solving as well as exploring different ways of recording their mathematical ideas. There is also a focus upon developing the children's mental calculation skills.
This includes ICT, technology, history, geography and science, which are taught through class topics. The children learn about the school grounds, their families, other countries and the world around them. Basic computer skills are taught through a variety of programmes both in the classroom and in the ICT suite.
The children will have the opportunity to explore a variety of media and materials. Painting, modelling, collage, drawing and printing are just some of the activities. Please make sure that you have plenty of wall space ready! There are twice weekly music lessons with a specialist teacher, where the children experiment with their voices and instruments, and learn many different songs in our weekly singing lesson.
The children have many opportunities to play safely, both indoors and outdoors. Activities include gym, music and movement, using small and large apparatus, games where children learn how to throw and catch, and work as part of a group. They are also encouraged to develop physically using scooters, trikes and specific climbing equipment.
