Your child will be learning skills, acquiring knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning. Initially children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first.

These are:

• Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations
• Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food
•  Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities

The prime areas are those most essential for healthy development and future learning.

The prime areas will help children to develop skills in 4 specific areas. These are:

Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measure .

Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment .

Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

We use these 7 areas to plan children's learning and activities. All activities are suited to your child's unique needs and interests. Foundation Stage children learn by playing and exploring, being active and curious. We encourage creative and critical thought which takes place both indoors and outside.

A successful partnership between home and school is paramount in ensuring that children achieve their full potential. Early Years staff are available at both the beginning and end of each school day to communicate with. We operate an open door policy whereby hopefully and concerns, queries or information can be shared as needed. Children's learning is recorded n their Tapestry journal. All parents must sign up to this in order to fully engage with their child's learning.

Staff are responsible for:

• helping to become happy, settled and safe;
• your child's care, development and learning;
• communicating with parents and carers and
• noting and recording progress and sharing this with you.

We hold regular parents' evenings where attainment and progress is discussed. Children also receive a brief written termly tracker report.

At the end of each academic year you will also receive a detailed written report which documents the attainment and progress your child has made.

In the summer term of their reception year in school - teachers complete an assessment known as the EYFS Profile. This is based on what they, and other staff, have observed over a period of time. All of the information collected is used to judge how they are doing in the 7 areas of learning. This information also prepares Year 1 teachers adequately for receiving your child into their class. They will know what your child enjoys doing and does well, as well as helping them decide if your child requires additional support and what this support should be.