The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
Personal, Social and Emotional Development 
This area of learning encourages the children to take turns, listen to others, consider the consequences of their actions and explore what is right and what is wrong. The children will discuss other cultures and faiths around the world and begin to understand the importance of tolerance, patience and understanding when living in a community. We aim to encourage positive attitudes to learning, help children form good relationships and develop their independence.
Communication, Language and Literacy 
The children learn to listen attentively and speak clearly. They learn to enjoy books and stories. They will begin to read and write at their own pace, initially knowing letter sounds and later blending these to make and read simple words. We introduce letter sounds to the children using The Jolly Phonics scheme as part of the Letters and Sounds system. This combines the three main styles of learning (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic) to ensure that whatever your child’s preferred style of learning they will successfully achieve the sound to letter correspondence. Information about the Jolly Phonics scheme, and how you can support this at home, will be provided by the Reception teachers at the start of the year. The children learn to write using a cursive style of handwriting. Each individual letter starts from the baseline and the children soon learn to join these to form whole words.
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
The children learn to use mathematical language and begin to recognise shape, pattern and number. They will begin to sort, count and do simple calculations with numbers 0-20 and possibly beyond. Most activities are practical and encourage an understanding of mathematical concepts.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World 
This area encourages the children to think about the environment both locally and globally and develop early geography skills. The concept of inquiry into the past helps develop a sense of history and the study of plants and animals develop an understanding of scientific study. Activities are based on first hand experiences, both inside and outdoor, that encourage exploration and problem solving.
Creative Development
Through a variety of 2D and 3D art activities the children will have the opportunity to explore colour, texture and shape. They are encouraged to express their ideas through a range of media. Design and construction are encouraged with a wide selection of resources.
Role play and dressing up allows the children to express ideas and act out situations that are of interest to them.
Physical Development 
This area of the curriculum encourages the children to move confidently and be aware of space. PE sessions of movement, gymnastics and games help develop co-ordination and balance. Fine motor skills are developed with a range of activities and the use of a variety of tools and materials.
Music
Children enjoy lots of songs, singing and frequent opportunities to explore instrumental sounds. Reception children benefit from working with a specialist Music Teacher.
French
Children in Early Years enjoy songs and games in French, learning basic phrases and counting to help them gain confidence in conversation.
