Early Years Information

In Reception we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are seven areas of learning and development.  All areas of learning and development are important and interconnected.

This year your child will continue to learn by doing things for themselves, by exploring and investigating, watching and listening, talking and discussing, creating and communicating — in other words — playing. Play is children’s work and playing hard is very tiring! Your child may be really exhausted and perhaps a bit grumpy when they come home! If they don’t want to talk about their day straight away, don’t worry, they will gradually let you into their new world as time goes by. Play can also be very messy as your child will be learning both inside the classroom with sand, water, paint, but also in the outdoors with mud, leaves etc. so you can expect some mucky clothes at the end of the day!

Characteristics of Effective Learning the Unique Child reaches out to relate to people and things through the Characteristics of Effective Learning, which move through all areas of learning.

Playing and exploring – engagement Finding out and exploring.  Playing with what they know Being willing to ‘have a go’

Active learning – motivation Being involved and concentrating Keeping trying Enjoying achieving what they set out to do

Creating and thinking critically – thinking Having their own ideas Making links Choosing ways to do things

Literacy involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. At SMSG the children are given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest. They are also taught the style of cursive writing and we follow a structured phonics programme using Jolly Phonics.

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 measures. 

Communication and language 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. They are also 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.

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. Additionally it provides opportunities and encouragement for children to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.