Perranporth CP School EARLY YEARS STRATEGY for 2022-2023

INTENT
Our Vision: The Early Years Foundation Stage at Perranporth School is vibrant, fun and engaging, where children are at the heart of every decision we make. Their vitality is nurtured in a friendly and caring environment where happiness and wellbeing are paramount. All our children are known, valued and respected as individuals who leave the EYFS ready for the next stage in their education. Children are encouraged to aim high and make the most of the range of experiences we offer. We believe in providing children with a safe and stimulating environment where children flourish. We pride ourselves on listening to children and those who care for them, using this information to personalise each child’s learning. Learning should be fun, and we believe in first hand learning experiences, valuing the importance of the outdoor environment to develop children’s thinking and problem-solving skills. We are committed to giving our children the best possible start to their school life, teaching them skills which ensure their well-being now and success in the future. We acknowledge that many children start school with below average language skills, and that the Covid-19 pandemic will have exacerbated this. Therefore, we place language development at the centre of all learning, with an emphasis on story sharing at the heart of each topic. We believe that children’s language difficulties are transient and with the right support in place in school, they can catch up. Curriculum overview – ‘Through learning and Play’ We offer the children a broad and balanced curriculum that follows the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. We offer a variety of activities, both planned and free choice, which provide opportunities to learn through play. We run a planned programme of themes throughout the year to ensure that the children are given a wide range of active, real-life and everyday experiences to enhance their learning about their world. These themes/topics are chosen to reflect the children’s interests and include visits in and around the locality and memorable learning experiences. We offer a mixture of active and quiet times throughout the day, and the children have opportunities to participate in both indoor and outdoor activities. We aim to have free flow indoors and outside between the classroom and our secure outdoor area. We also plan outdoor session in the school playground and outdoor environment that enable the children to develop skills outside of the classroom. We take every opportunity to further individual children’s communication skills in speaking and listening. We encourage the children to look at books and seek opportunities to read stories to, and with them. We develop early mathematical skills through everyday routines, as well as through planned experiences and games. We provide activities, which engage the children in problem solving and investigation. We stimulate the children’s imaginative and creative development through a range of activities, including role- play; a variety of painting, modelling and drawing experiences, both planned and free choice; singing and dancing to music, as well as listening to music and playing instruments. We encourage the children to make choices and decisions during free play. We also expect them, supported by adults, to take appropriate responsibility for the care and maintenance of resources.