Intent

At St Stephen's C of E Primary School, we believe the Early Years provides the foundation for every child's future learning and development. We nurture confident, curious and independent learners within a caring, inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn. Rooted in our Christian vision of belonging and respect, our curriculum promotes meaningful relationships, rich language, purposeful play and high-quality physical development, enabling every child to flourish socially, emotionally, physically and academically.

Our carefully sequenced EYFS curriculum is designed to provide every child with the best possible start to their education, regardless of background or need. Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, we place a strong emphasis on communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, and physical development, recognising these as the foundations for all future learning. Through a balance of adult-directed teaching and child-initiated play, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become resilient, enthusiastic learners who are well prepared for Key Stage 1. We are committed to inclusion, ensuring that all children, including those with SEND, are supported to achieve their full potential.

Implementation

Curriculum Progression

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively across all seven areas of learning. Children develop secure foundations in communication and language, early reading, writing and mathematics alongside their personal, social, emotional and physical development.

Learning builds on children's prior experiences and interests, ensuring new knowledge is meaningful and carefully connected. Through high-quality interactions, purposeful play and well-planned adult-led teaching, children revisit and deepen their understanding while developing confidence and independence.

Key Concepts

Learning is centred on developing the knowledge, skills and characteristics of effective learning that children need for future success. We prioritise:

• Communication and language

• Personal, social and emotional development

• Physical development

• Early reading, writing and mathematics

• Curiosity, creativity and problem solving

• Independence and resilience

Children develop rich vocabulary through stories, conversation and carefully planned experiences. Early phonics, number sense and mathematical thinking are embedded throughout daily learning, providing strong foundations for future achievement.

Purposeful Play and Enabling Environments

Our curriculum is enriched through high-quality texts, purposeful play and meaningful first-hand experiences. Carefully designed indoor and outdoor environments promote exploration, investigation and creativity while enabling children to apply and extend their learning independently.

Adults skilfully support learning through modelling, questioning, observation and responsive interactions, ensuring every child is appropriately challenged and supported.

Cross-Curricular Learning

Learning is holistic, with strong links across all areas of the curriculum. Stories inspire writing, role play and discussion; mathematical thinking is embedded within everyday routines and practical experiences; and understanding of the world develops through exploration, enquiry and investigation. Physical development is promoted through both indoor and outdoor learning, helping children build strength, coordination, control and independence.

Impact

By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, children leave St Stephen's as confident, curious and capable learners who are well prepared for the transition into Key Stage 1. They demonstrate strong communication skills, growing independence, physical confidence and a positive attitude towards learning.

Our children will:

• Communicate confidently using an increasingly rich vocabulary

• Develop secure foundations in early reading, writing and mathematics

• Show curiosity, resilience and independence in their learning

• Build positive relationships and demonstrate respect for others

• Develop the physical skills needed for learning and everyday life

• Be confident, enthusiastic learners who are ready for the next stage of their education

Assessment is continuous through high-quality observation, interaction and teacher assessment, ensuring learning is responsive to each child's needs. Clear progression across the Early Years curriculum enables every child to make strong progress from their starting points and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future success.