EYFS Vision

The Early Years Foundation Stage is the period of education from birth to 5 years. In our Reception Class and Nursery children’s learning is facilitated by a committed EYFS team who work closely together.

At Verwood CE First School and Nursery we are nurturing, inclusive and aspirational. We provide opportunities for children to become effective, inquisitive, independent learners who can apply their wider thinking across all areas of the curriculum.

At the heart of everything we do is our School’s Christian Values. We follow the Fruits of the Spirit from the book of Galatians, where children learn to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Embedded within our curriculum and daily school life are also the 6Rs (respectfulness, responsibility, resourcefulness, resilience, reciprocity and reflectiveness) and Fundamental British Values which we feel are crucial to forming successful learners.

We place a strong emphasis upon children’s personal, social and emotional wellbeing to ensure all our learners feel safe, can relate to others and are ready to learn. We strive for all children to feel a sense of belonging and to develop an understanding of people, families and communities beyond their own and work in close partnership with parents and carers. We recognise children’s various starting points and prior learning, and create a holistic curriculum that ensures every child has the best start in life, allowing them to fulfil their potential and achieve future success. We tailor learning opportunities to be relevant, motivational and engaging for children, inspiring them with awe and wonder.

We create opportunities for children to develop language and communication skills, alongside the specific teaching of vocabulary.  We foster children’s self-esteem and belief in their abilities and capabilities; and our growth mindset approach develops positive attitudes towards learning, enabling them to be resilient, motivated and successful.

We ensure that children experience the seven areas of the Early Years Curriculum through a balance of whole class/group teaching and play based learning. Learning is carefully planned and delivered through reflective and responsive practice that takes into account the children’s interests and needs, engaging themes and challenging continuous provision activities. Experiences are arranged to provide a progression of knowledge and skills, with ambitious expectations set for all children and laying the foundations for a successful academic career. By the end of the Reception year our intent is to also ensure that all children make at least good progress from their starting points and are equipped with the skills and knowledge to have a smooth transition into Year 1.