Early Years Foundation Stage

At Harry Watts Academy the teaching and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) reflects the ethos of the EYFS Statutory framework. The curriculum is built around 4 key principles.

• A Unique Child
• Positive Relationships
• Enabling Environments
• Learning and Development

At Harry Watts Academy we understand all children develop in different ways and development is not a linear or automatic process. It depends on each unique child having opportunities to interact in positive relationships and enabling environments that encourage their engagement and recognise their strengths. All children have agency and curiosity to learn, and will interact with other people and the world around them in different ways. Understanding these different ways of knowing about the world is central to understanding who children are and how best to support their development. We value the individual child and work alongside parents, carers and other professionals to ensure their needs are met.

Within the curriculum there are seven areas of learning and development: three prime and four specific. The prime areas of learning and development lay vital foundations for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.

These are:

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

The specific areas of learning and development allow for the three prime areas to be strengthened and applied.

These are:

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

The EYFS framework will be implemented in a safe, nurturing and exciting learning environment. We endorse and will employ the three characteristics of effective learning.

These are:

• Playing and Exploring
• Active Learning
• Creating and Thinking Critically

The Characteristics of Effective Learning and the Prime and Specific Areas of Learning and Development are all inter-connected.

EYFS Policy