The Early Years Foundation Stage applies to children from birth to the end of their Reception Year. At Bournville Village Primary School, we build on the foundations laid by our nursery providers throughout the Reception year. The curriculum for EYFS underpins all future learning by supporting children’s personal, social and emotional wellbeing, as well as positive attitudes and dispositions towards learning.

The Cadbury building is dedicated to Reception where our large classrooms are organised to allow children to explore and learn securely and safely. There are specific areas of learning organised to encourage the children to be active, be quiet or be creative, for example. Children have access to both the inside and the outside environment at various points in the day which is known to have a positive effect on children’s development.

Learning through play underpins our approach in the foundation stage, with time given each day to ‘explore and learn’. We embrace the fact that young children learn best from activities and experiences that interest and inspire them to learn. In doing so we can provide children with stimulating, active play experiences in which they can explore and develop their learning and to help them make sense of the world. Children have opportunities through their play to think creatively and critically alongside other children as well as on their own. They can practice skills, build upon and revisit prior learning and experiences at their own level and pace. Play gives our children the opportunity to pursue their own interests, inspire those around them and consolidate their understanding and skills. The children learn to adapt, negotiate, communicate, discuss, investigate and ask questions. Our adults take an active role in child-initiated play through observing, modelling, facilitating, teaching and extending play, skills and language.

Activities are planned with reference to the three Characteristics of Effective Learning:

• Playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
• Active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements
• Creating and thinking critically – children have a develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things

We also believe strongly in the Seven Features of Effective Practice:

1. The best for EVERY child
2. High-Quality care
3. The Curriculum: What we want children to learn
4. Pedagogy: helping children to learn
5. Assessment: checking what children have learnt
6. Self-regulation and executive function
7. Partnership with parents

Our curriculum for the Foundation Stage reflects the learning aims and objectives set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework combined with the Development Matters curriculum guidance.

There are seven areas of ‘Learning and Development’ that must shape educational provision in all early years’ settings. All areas of Learning and Development are important and inter-connected. Our children’s learning experiences enable them to develop competency and skill across these areas of learning. They require a balance of activities for children to develop effectively and to give them the best chance of obtaining a Good Level of Development at the end of their Reception Year.

Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

The three Prime areas are:

• Communication and Language
  • Listening, Attention and Understanding
  • Speaking
• Physical Development
  • Gross Motor Skills
  • Fine Motor Skills
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Self-Regulation
  • Managing Self
  • Building Relationships

Staff will also focus on teaching the ‘essential skills and knowledge’ in the four specific areas, which will help children prepare for year 1. Through these, the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.

Specific Areas:

• Literacy
  • Comprehension
  • Word Reading
  • Writing
• Mathematics
  • Number
  • Numerical Patterns
• Understanding the World
  • Past and Present
  • People, Culture and Communities
  • The Natural World
• Expressive Arts and Design
  • Creating with Materials
  • Being Imaginative and Expressive

SEND and Inclusion in YR at BVPS

We believe that all children and young people are entitled to an
education that enables them to
• achieve their best
• become confident individuals living happy,
fulfilled lives
• make a successful transition into adulthood,
whether into employment, further or higher
education or training (The SEND Code of Practice 2014)

In Reception, we utilise our staff, curriculum and learning areas to provide a safe, happy and inclusive experience for all of our learners.