Learning and Growing in Our Early Years

At Clifton Primary School, we believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the essential foundations for a child's learning, development and future success.

Our Nursery and Reception classes offer a welcoming, nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, happy and confident to explore, discover and learn.

We recognise that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Through a carefully planned balance of purposeful play, adult-led learning and child-initiated activities, we provide opportunities for children to develop independence, curiosity, communication skills and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Early Years curriculum follows the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage framework and is designed to give children the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive as they progress through school.

The Seven Areas of Learning and Development

The EYFS framework identifies seven interconnected areas of learning and development, divided into three prime areas and four specific areas.

The Three Prime Areas

These areas are particularly important for children's early development and provide the foundations for learning across the curriculum.

• Communication and Language: Developing children's speaking, listening, understanding and vocabulary through conversations, stories, songs and meaningful interactions.

• Physical Development: Supporting children's gross and fine motor skills, coordination, movement and independence through active play and practical experiences.

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Helping children develop confidence, positive relationships, emotional awareness and the skills to manage their feelings and behaviour.

The Four Specific Areas

These areas build upon the prime areas and help children develop essential knowledge and skills.

• Literacy: Developing a love of books, storytelling, early reading and writing.

• Mathematics: Building an understanding of numbers, patterns, shapes and mathematical relationships through practical experiences and exploration.

• Understanding the World: Encouraging curiosity about people, communities, cultures, nature and the world around us.

• Expressive Arts and Design: Providing opportunities for children to express themselves creatively through art, music, movement, imaginative play and design.

All seven areas are equally important and are woven throughout our Early Years curriculum.

Learning Through Play

Play is at the heart of learning in our Early Years.

Our indoor and outdoor environments are carefully organised to encourage exploration, creativity, independence and problem-solving. Children have opportunities to follow their interests, make choices, develop friendships and practise new skills through meaningful play experiences.

Our skilled Early Years staff support and extend children's learning through purposeful interactions, modelling language, asking questions and introducing new knowledge and vocabulary.

Alongside child-initiated learning, we provide carefully planned adult-led activities and direct teaching to ensure children develop the essential knowledge and skills they need.

Communication, Language and Early Reading

Developing confident communicators is a key priority throughout our Early Years.

We provide a language-rich environment where children are encouraged to talk, listen, ask questions, share ideas and develop their vocabulary. Stories, rhymes, songs and conversations are central to our daily learning experiences.

Phonics is an important part of our approach to early reading and writing. At Clifton, we use Read Write Inc., a systematic synthetic phonics programme, to teach children how sounds and letters are connected and how to use this knowledge to read and write.

We aim to develop enthusiastic, confident early readers who enjoy books and recognise the pleasure that reading can bring.

An Inclusive Start for Every Child

We are committed to ensuring that every child feels valued, included and supported throughout their Early Years journey.

Our staff carefully observe and assess children's learning and development, using this understanding to plan appropriate next steps and adapt activities to meet individual needs.

We recognise the importance of working closely with parents and carers, who know their children best. By building strong relationships between home and school, we aim to give every child the confidence, security and encouragement they need to flourish.

Preparing for the Next Stage

Our aim is for children to leave Reception as happy, confident, curious and increasingly independent learners who are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of Year 1.

Through high-quality teaching, meaningful experiences and nurturing relationships, we provide the foundations for children to develop academically, socially, emotionally and physically.

Above all, we want every child to enjoy their Early Years journey, develop a positive attitude towards learning and begin their time at Clifton feeling inspired to ‘Aspire to Achieve’.