E.Y.F.S. at Goostrey Community Primary School

E. Y. F. S. Curriculum at Goostrey Community Primary School

Our Vision

At Goostrey Community Primary School, our curriculum is designed to develop the whole child and inspire a love of learning within a supportive and inclusive school community.

Our school rules guide everything we do:

  • Always Try Your Best

  • Be Friendly and Polite

  • Care for Others and the Environment

  • Work Hard

Through our curriculum, pupils feel safe and valued, reach their academic potential and develop the skills they need for future learning and life.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Our EYFS Vision

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers children from birth to the end of Reception. At Goostrey, we recognise that early childhood is a vital stage of learning in its own right, providing strong foundations for future success.

Children learn best through play, talk and exploration. We provide a safe, happy and stimulating environment where children can develop confidence, independence and curiosity.


EYFS Intent

Our aim is to provide the highest quality care and education so that all children:

  • Feel happy, safe and secure

  • Become confident and independent learners

  • Develop strong foundations for lifelong learning

We value every child as an individual and work closely with parents and carers to help each child reach their full potential.


EYFS Statutory Framework

We follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2023). Our practice is guided by four key principles:

  • Every child is unique and capable

  • Children learn through positive relationships

  • Children learn best in enabling environments

  • Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates

The EYFS Curriculum

Children in Reception learn through the seven areas of learning, which are all important and connected.

Prime Areas

These areas are especially important in the early years:

  • Communication and Language

  • Physical Development

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Specific Areas

These build on and strengthen the prime areas:

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Understanding the World

  • Expressive Arts and Design

Learning Through Play

Play is at the heart of learning in EYFS. Through play, children:

  • Explore and investigate

  • Practise and develop new skills

  • Build confidence and independence

  • Learn to communicate and work with others

Adults support learning by observing, guiding, modelling and extending children’s thinking and language.

How Children Learn

We support children to develop positive attitudes to learning through the Characteristics of Effective Learning:

  • Playing and Exploring

  • Active Learning

  • Creating and Thinking Critically

These help children to become motivated, resilient and curious learners.

Assessment in EYFS

Assessment in EYFS is ongoing and based on observations, children’s work and discussions with parents.

  • A Reception Baseline Assessment is completed within the first six weeks

  • Progress is monitored throughout the year

  • At the end of Reception, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals to identify whether they have achieved a Good Level of Development (GLD)

EYFS and the Wider Curriculum

The EYFS provides the foundation for learning across the school. Our curriculum ensures a smooth transition into Key Stage 1, with a strong focus on independence, resilience and a love of learning

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