Welcome to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Click here to see our Admission Arrangements page for admission to our Nursery or Reception classes.
Our Early Years consists of a Nursery unit for children aged 3 and 4 and a Reception.
Welcome to Nursery
Welcome to Reception
Our Curriculum Intent
At Grappenhall Heys Primary school, we create a welcoming indoor and outdoor learning environment that supports, enhances and encourages children’s curiosity and confidence. We equip them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become confident, independent learners and build positive relationships with children as individuals. All staff work closely in partnership with parents, carers and other settings to provide the best possible start to our children’s educational journey, ensuring everyone reaches their full potential from their various starting points.
Our well-planned, ambitious and versatile curriculum builds on pupils' interests and individual next steps, and is crucial in securing solid foundations that our children continue to build upon throughout their education. Teaching in Early Years is underpinned by the whole school values of ‘Working Together, Excellence, Caring, Aspirational, Role Models, Embracing Change’ as well as the ‘Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning.’
By the end of the Reception, children are equipped with the skills that will enable them to become life-long learners who are inquisitive and curious about the world around them.
The Purpose of Our Curriculum
We develop children who are…
- Strong and independent learners;
- Resilient, capable, confident and self-assured learners;
- Able to respond to and explore their individual interests;
- Cared for, safe and feel valued;
- Aware of the importance of learning and development.
Our Curriculum Offer - What We Teach in Early Years
Click herefor the Early Years Framework
Click here for the Development Matters document
Nursery
In Nursery, we have created bespoke long-term plans , following the guidance from Development Matters, that engage, challenge and provide vast opportunities to develop children's curiosity and knowledge through play. Our planning is reflective and is always scaffolded and adapted to ensure we are meeting the needs of all children. Our Nursery curriculum carefully prepares our pupils for entry into Reception. High-quality interactions are a crucial part of all learning opportunities. Our staff ensure that all engagement with every pupil is founded on our knowledge of them as a unique individual
Reception
In Reception, our children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS).
There are three prime areas and four specific areas of learning and development in the Foundation Stage Framework curriculum. The prime areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.
These are the Prime Areas:
- Personal, social and emotional development (PSE)
- Communication and language
- Physical Development.
The prime areas are then strengthened and applied in the specific areas.
Specific Areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design.
Phonics
We are a proud Little Wandle school. Click here to learn about early reading; for more information on phonics; and for useful information to support your child.
Our Curriculum
Nursery Long-Term Planning
Click on the picture for more information
Reception Long-Term Planning
Click on the picture for more information
Vocabulary and knowledge progression is organised by subject. Click here to explore our curriculum
For information on knowledge and vocabulary progression, please visit our curriculum pages to look at each subject.
Our Curriculum Offer - How We Teach in Early Years
The EYFS curriculum at Grappenhall Heys Primary School is sequenced to encompass the children’s interests with an emphasis on developing independence, confidence, creativity, curiosity, knowledge and understanding. We provide a balance of child-initiated and teacher-led activities and provide meaningful, practical and multi-sensory learning experiences which fully engage all children and help them to develop ownership of their learning. Our carefully-planned provision provides our children with opportunities to develop these skills in a range of environments - the classrooms, the forest area and our outdoor provision.
Ambition for All
Our curriculum is ambitious and allows children, regardless of their starting points, to make progress. Staff adapt planning and use modelling, scaffolding and targeted feedback to ensure that the curriculum is accessible for all.
Click here for further information on how we support children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
What Makes Our Early Years Provision Special at Grappenhall Heys?
At Grappenhall Heys Primary School, we recognise the importance of developing strong relationships with parents and families and by working together we endeavour to fulfil the four guiding principles of the Early Years Statutory Framework to ensure all children become confident, resilient learners who fulfil their own learning potential. Our children feel safe and cared for through the positive relationships we build with them, and we champion their successes both at home and in school. To support this, we have many enrichment activities throughout the year which enhance our curriculum and involve parents, grandparents and carers.
- ‘Mystery Reader’ events where parents can come into school to come and read to the class.
- ‘Stay and Play’ and 'Learn with Your Child' events so parents can see first hand how we teach and be a part of the children’s learning environment,
- ‘Parental Enrichment’ opportunities for parents to come in and teach the children about their profession, culture, family etc as well as many other events throughout the school calendar.
- Visits from ‘People who help us’ in our local community i.e. fire fighters, police officers.
Our Pupil Voice
"I like going in the reading corner because there are loads of teddies." Reception child
"I get to go outside with my friend and play in construction. I like to build things." Reception child
Click here to learn about our Early Years Pupil Voice
How Can You Find Out More?
Click here for the Early Years Framework
Click here for the Development Matters document
Click here for information on what to expect when your children are in Early Years
Click here for information on Reception Baseline Assessment
Click here for our Welcome Guide to Nursery
Click here for our Welcome Guide to Reception
Click here for information on Admission to Nursery (including Nursery charging and funding)