EYFS
At St Patrick’s we passionately believe that:
“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil 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 its 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, March 2021)
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School includes the nursery class, which children may join after they turn three, and the reception class.
The EYFS is based upon four principles:
- A Unique Child
- Positive Relationships
- Enabling Environments
- Learning and Development
A Unique Child
At St Patrick’s we recognise that every child is a competent learner who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. We recognise and promote the characteristics of effective teaching and learning: playing and exploring; active learning and creating and thinking critically, and help children understand and develop a positive attitude to their own learning.
Positive Relationships
At St Patrick’s we recognise that children learn to be strong and independent through secure relationships. We work as a close team and aim to develop caring, respectful, professional relationships with the children and their families.
Enabling Environments with teaching and support from adults
At St Patrick’s we recognise that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending the children’s learning and development. Our Nursery and Reception areas are organised to allow children to explore and learn securely and safely. There are areas where the children can be active, or be quiet and rest. The unit is set up in learning areas, where children are able to find challenging activities, equipment and resources independently. Provision in these areas includes familiar and continuously accessible activities and resources, as well as activities which are varied and enhanced to fit in with current themes and children’s learning needs.
Learning and Development
We recognise that children develop in individual ways, at varying rates and continually support each child in working towards their next steps. Each day is composed of playing and learning through of a balance of teaching, adult-led activities and child-initiated time. Through observation and interaction we continuously assess the children’s interests, stages of development and next steps for learning, and plan an environment which includes challenging, achievable activities and experiences to enable children to progress quickly. In this way, assessment and planning forms a continuous cycle to promote children’s well-being, learning and development.
At St Patrick’s we aim to nurture children and help them to learn, and develop a love of learning, within a happy, caring and positive environment.
TAPESTRY
At ST Patrick’s we use Tapestry as our online journal to document your child’s achievements. Please follow the link to understand more about Tapestry. This will open as a separate document in your downloads.
Click here to see some of our fun and learning in Early Years at St Patrick’s