Overview

Rathfern Primary School is a powerful learning community where children come first. We have the highest aspirations and expectations for all our children and our vision is that every child learns to learn. Children are supported to become active learners who are curious, independent, creative, risk-taking, ambitious and who relish being challenged. We are committed to promoting pupil agency through developing metacognition.

‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfill their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in it’s own right. Good parenting and high-quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.’

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, Department for Education, 2012

Early childhood is the foundation on which children build the rest of their lives. At Rathfern we understand the vital role that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) plays in laying secure foundations for future learning and development.

It is every child’s right to grow up safe, healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and with economic well-being. At Rathfern the key aim of the EYFS is to help young children achieve these five Every Child Matters outcomes.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children have the right to a good quality education. At Rathfern, we believe this begins in the Early Years.

Intent

We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum which enables each child to develop personally, socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, creatively and intellectually to their full potential. Each child is valued as an individual, and learning and teaching is based on the key understanding that children develop at different rates across different areas of learning.

We understand that the key to learning progress and achievement is developing pupils’ ownership of the learning process and their intrinsic motivation to drive their own learning.

We understand that resilience is a key factor in determining children’s success in life and we are committed to continuously promoting resilience through working with all our children and families.

Therefore, at Rathfern we aim to:

• provide a safe, aspirational, challenging, stimulating and caring environment responsive to the needs of all children

• provide opportunities for children to learn to learn through using learning attributes and promoting learning conversations and reflection

• provide a broad, balanced, relevant, creative and inspiring curriculum

• provide opportunities for purposeful adult–led and child–initiated play indoors and outdoors

• use and value what each child can do, assessing needs and ensuring progress

• enable choice and decision-making, fostering agency, independence and self–confidence

• work in partnership with parents and carers, valuing contributions and challenge when necessary

• ensure all children feel equal, valued, respected and included

Implementation

Within the EYFS there are two Reception classes and one Nursery class (am/pm) with 16 full–time places. There are 3 teachers, 2 nursery nurses and 5 teaching assistants. The EYFS leader is a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Classrooms have interactive whiteboards, visualisers and staff iPads for Tapestry. Children also access iPads for learning.

Outdoor learning environment includes: sensory area, vegetable garden, mud kitchen, music/stage area, water/sand, story/writing den and role–play space. All areas are partially covered for all–weather use. Outdoor play complements and reflects indoor provision.

Children also access the hall, community room/kitchen, Forest School and playgrounds.

EYFS Principles

• A Unique Child

• Positive Relationships

• Enabling Environments

• Learning and Development

Self-Regulation

Self–regulation underpins wellbeing and academic success. It involves managing feelings, attention and behaviour to achieve goals. Strong self-regulation supports resilience, relationships, behaviour and learning.

Rathfern has developed an approach and learning environment that systematically supports self-regulation.

Enabling Environments

We provide an attractive, welcoming and stimulating environment that encourages exploration, investigation and first–hand experiences. Children move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces.

A wide range of high–quality resources is available, and children are supported to care for the environment and resources. Tidy-up routines build responsibility and communication skills.

Learning and Development

We recognise children learn at different rates. Effective learning is supported through:

• strong staff–parent partnerships

• staff knowledge of child development

• first–hand experiences, clear explanations and purposeful interventions

• a planned curriculum leading to Early Learning Goals

• opportunities that build on interests and develop all areas of growth

• encouragement of communication, independence and self-management

• accessible learning environments indoors and outdoors

• observation-based assessment shared with parents

Play and Exploration

Play is central to learning. We support play through observation, interaction and modelling. Staff apply approaches such as sustained shared thinking, ECaT and Communication–Friendly Spaces.

Areas of Learning

Prime Areas:

• Communication and Language

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Specific Areas:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

Characteristics of Effective Learning

• Active Learning

• Playing and Exploring

• Creating and Thinking Critically

These are observed as part of formative assessment to support each child’s learning journey.

Child-Led Planning

Curriculum planning reflects children’s interests and questions, promoting high engagement and sustained thinking. Educators balance children’s interests with planned skill development.

Environment Supporting Curriculum

Children independently select resources. Adults adapt the environment in response to emerging interests. Weekly planning balances adult-led and child-initiated learning and evolves through observation, supported by Development Matters.

Impact

Children at Rathfern:

• develop resilience, independence and agency

• become motivated, confident and reflective learners

• build strong foundations across all areas of learning

• develop social, emotional, communication and self-regulation skills

• achieve the Early Learning Goals where appropriate

• are well-prepared for KS1 and lifelong learning

Formative assessment, family partnership, Tapestry documentation and reflective practice ensure every child’s needs are understood and supported.