EYFS

“Play is the highest form of research.” - Albert Einstein

Vision

In the EYFS at St John’s, we want children to be happy, confident, well-rounded individuals who love to learn. We feel passionate about providing children with a safe, stimulating and enabling environment that both supports and challenges children to become independent and respectful learners. Our curriculum values the importance of communication and language, through the use of stories, songs and rhymes, discussions and the teaching and learning of new and exciting vocabulary.

We strive to build positive, supportive relationships with our children, families and community by developing a strong partnership to support children in their school journey. 

We are committed to teach and provide children with skills for life and lots of first hand experiences and opportunities to explore the world around them.

Our EYFS curriculum is organised around the seven areas of learning: Communication and Language; Physical Development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts & Design. Each half‑term we provide rich experiences and continuous provision that develop early knowledge, vocabulary and skills across these areas, preparing children well for Year 1. Click on the EYFS Information Leaflet below for more information on what that involves.

Early Reading and Phonics: We teach systematic synthetic phonics using the Junior Learning scheme every day. Children practise blending and segmenting, read fully decodable books matched to the sounds they know, and enjoy daily story, rhyme and song to build a love of reading.

Inclusion and SEND in EYFS: Provision is adapted so that all children can access learning at their developmental stage. We use visual supports, environmental adjustments, sensory breaks, targeted interventions and close liaison with families and external professionals where appropriate, in line with our SEND Policy.

Finding out more: Parents/carers can request additional information about our EYFS curriculum and half‑term overviews via the school office or by speaking with the EYFS Lead.