Early Years at Hitherfield

Our Early Years consists of two Nursery classes (52 full time equivalent places) and a large, three form entry Reception. In the EYFS, we are committed to providing high quality education and care for all children. We strive to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment which promotes challenge, exploration and fosters a love of learning. 

The EYFS framework

The EYFS Framework is based upon four principles which underpin our practice:

• A Unique Child - Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

• Positive Relationships - Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.

• Enabling Environments - Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them build on their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers. 

• Learning and Development - Children develop and learn at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities. 

Areas of Learning

In the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum there are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes.

Three prime areas are particularly important for learning and forming relationships. They build a foundation for children to thrive and provide the basis for learning in all areas:

• Communication and language

• Physical development

• Personal, social and emotional development

Providers must also support children in four specific areas, which help strengthen and develop the three prime areas, and ignite children’s curiosity and enthusiasm

The specific areas are:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the world

• Expressive arts and design

Educational programmes must involve activities and experiences that enable children to learn and develop, as set out under each of the areas of learning.  

Early Learning Goals

The level of development children should be expected to have attained by the end of the EYFS is defined by the early learning goals (ELGs). 

Please click the link below to see all 17 Early Learning Goals in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage.

The Early Learning Goals

The Early years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP)

In the final term of the year in which the child reaches age five, and no later than 30 June in that term, the EYFS Profile must be completed for each child. 

Each child’s level of development must be assessed against the early learning goals. Practitioners must indicate whether children are meeting expected levels of development, or if they are not yet reaching expected levels (‘emerging’).

Early Years Curriculum Documents

Nursery Curriculum Map

Reception Curriculum Map