Early Years teaching follows the DfE’s 2021 EYFS Framework

There are three ‘Prime Areas of Learning’ which are:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal Social and Emotional Development.

Along with four ‘Specific Areas of Learning’, which are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design.

Learning in the Early Years is characterised by playing and exploring, creating and thinking logically, and active learning. Children have access to a wide range of learning opportunities both inside and outside their classrooms, and staff move children’s learning forward using a combination of child-initiated and adult-led activities throughout each day.

Planning at Hampsthwaite is carefully built around the children’s interests to encourage their independence and enthusiasm for their learning themes, whilst ensuring thorough coverage of the whole curriculum through the particular activities and opportunities for learning provided.

Children are regularly assessed against the progress they have made in relation to the learning goals and the curriculum is developed and adapted to suit their individual needs. Where pupils move into Year 1 without having achieved the Early Learning Goals, they continue to be taught in line with the Foundation Stage Curriculum. Transition to the Year 1 curriculum does not happen at a point in time but rather when pupils have reached that stage in their development.