The Foundation Stage

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When the children start school, we aim to make them feel secure, valued and confident and to develop a sense of achievement through learning.

They will be able to take part in a wide range of activities, which take account of their interests and their achievements as well as developing emotional, physical, intellectual and social abilities. Pupils will be encouraged to think and talk about their play and learning and to develop self control and independence. We recognise the value of using play and talk as a media for learning. The children’s progress and future learning needs will be assessed and recorded through frequent observation and shared regularly with parents.

The Foundation Stage Curriculum contains six areas of learning. They are as follows:

Personal, Emotional and Social Development

We will provide opportunities for the children to learn how to play, work and co-operate with others. They will cover important aspects of personal, social, moral and spiritual development including developing an understanding of self and others as well as personal values.

Communication, Language and Literacy

We will provide opportunities for the children to develop competence in speaking and listening as well as developing an interest in books to help them become good readers and writers.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

We will provide opportunities for children to focus on achievement through practical activities and on using and understanding language in the development of simple mathematical ideas.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

We will provide opportunities for the children to develop their knowledge and understanding of their environment, other people and features of the world around them.

Physical Development

We will provide opportunities for pupils to develop physical control, awareness of space and manipulative skills in indoor and outdoor environments. This includes establishing a positive attitude towards a healthy and active way of life.

Creative Development

We will provide opportunities for pupils to develop their imagination and ability to communicate and to express ideas and feelings in a creative way.

Principles and Aims of our Foundation Stage Policy

  • To provide a welcoming environment for children and their families
  • To ensure that all children feel included, secure and valued
  • To establish positive relationships with parents and guardians
  • To keep parents well informed about the curriculum and their child’s progress
  • To build on what the children already know and can do and to celebrate achievement
  • To help children make links in their learning
  • To encourage independence
  • To value children’s interests, providing a balance of direct teaching and child initiated activities
  • To help children to build friendship and learn to co-operate with each other
  • To provide a solid foundation in the six areas of learning through well planned, rich and stimulating experiences
  • To build the foundations on which the Key Stage One curriculum is based
  • To make careful observations in order to support and extend children’s learning appropriately
  • To ensure that children with special educational needs are identified and receive appropriate support.

Partnership with Parents

“Parents and practitioners should work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect within which children can have security and confidence”

(QCA/DfES Curriculum Guidance to the Foundation Stage)

To build good relationships with parents and to keep them well informed we do the following:

  • Give prospective parents a school brochure & a tour of our school
  • Hold a meeting in June prior to the academic year that your child begins where philosophy and routines are explained
  • Give new parents a ‘Starting School Is Fun’ brochure
  • Have an induction programme for the children which comprises of 2 mornings, 2 afternoons & 2 full days
  • The Early Years Specialist visits nursery and playgroup settings throughout the year to get to know the children and gives opportunities for questions to be asked
  • A Foundation Stage Profile will be completed throughout the year – this will be shared with parents at the parents’ consultation
  • Send home fortnightly newsletters and termly school magazines
  • Have an open door policy
  • Parents may accompany their children into the classroom at the start of the day; but in the interests of independence, we would suggest that you gradually withdraw from this allowing your child to do as much for themselves as possible
  • Hold an open day for parents
  • Share children’s records with parents
  • Use parents’ skills
  • Parent Teacher and Friends Association