Early Years Foundation Stage: Foundation Stage 1 and Foundation Stage 2

Introduction

At El Alsson British School we believe that “Every child deserves the best possible start in life and support to fulfil their potential. A child’s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right and it provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.” Department for Children, Schools and Families.

At El Alsson British School, our curriculum for the Foundation Stage, reflects the areas of learning identified in the Early Learning Goals.

There are seven areas of learning and development that shape educational provision in our setting. All areas of learning and development are important and interconnected. None of the areas of learning is delivered in isolation from the others. Our children’s learning experiences enable them to develop competency and skill across a number of learning areas.

We have a balance of adult led and child-initiated activities in order for our children to reach the levels required at the end of EYFS. 

Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. 

The three Prime Areas are:

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

 

Our staff also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.

 

The Specific Areas:

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

 

Characteristics of Effective Learning

 

At El Alsson British School we ensure that our environment and delivery of the curriculum incorporates the three characteristics of effective teaching and learning:

 

Playing and Exploring – children will have opportunities to investigate and experience things, and “have a go.”

“Children’s play reflects their wide ranging and varied interests and preoccupations. In their play children learn at their highest level. Play with peers is important for children’s development.” Early Years Foundation Stage Profile

Through play, our children explore and develop learning experiences, which help them make sense of the world. They practise and build up ideas, learn how to control themselves and understand the need for rules. They have the opportunity to think creatively alongside other children as well as on their own. They communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems.

Active Learning – children will have time and space to concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy their achievements. “Children learn best through physical and mental challenges. Active learning involves other people, objects, ideas and events that engage and involve children for sustained periods.” Early Years Foundation Stage Profile

Active learning occurs when children are motivated and interested. Children need some independence and control over their learning. As children develop their confidence, they learn to make decisions. It provides children with a sense of satisfaction as they take ownership of their learning.

Creating and Thinking Critically – we encourage and support children to have and develop their own ideas; make links between ideas and develop strategies for doing things.

“When children have opportunities to play with ideas in different situations and with a variety of resources, they discover connections and come to new and better understandings and ways of doing things. Adult support in this process enhances their ability to think critically and ask questions.” Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.

 

We believe that children should be given the opportunity to be creative through all areas of learning. Adults can support children’s thinking and help them make connections by showing interest, offering encouragement, clarifying ideas and asking open ended questions. Children can access resources and move around the provision freely and purposefully to extend their learning.

Read Write Inc. Phonics

Early Years Foundation Stage Learners at El Alsson use Read Write Inc. Phonics scheme of work. 

Read Write Inc. Phonics (RWI) is a phonics complete literacy programme which helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. Children are grouped according to their ability, so they only engage with work that is achievable. This makes learning to read more enjoyable and allows the children’s learning and confidence to flourish side by side.

In FS1, all children will be introduced to the initial sounds in short sessions. We use pure sounds so that the children will be able to blend the sounds into words more easily. 

In FS2, all children will learn how to ‘read’ and ‘write’ all the sounds in Set 1 and then taught how to blend these into words.

White Rose Maths:

White Rose Maths set out on their mission to help every child master Maths; the scheme has taken the world of primary education by storm. Through resources, Schemes of Learning and yearly frameworks detailing small steps to progression. White Rose Maths helps children into confident young mathematicians. At the heart of White Rose Maths is Maths Mastery an approach that’s sparked a positive, growth Mindset towards mathematics. 

How it Works?

Early Years Foundation Stage Maths is broken down from years into blocks and from blocks into easy, logical, steps. We use games, colourful graphics, videos, various online games and real world examples of maths in action to nature an enjoyment of the subject at an early age. We let children explore mathematical concepts with curiosity and without fear of making mistakes. 

A team of caring, dedicated educators

A dedicated team of experienced teachers and full-time teaching assistants care for FS1 and FS2 pupils.  The ratio of adults to pupils ensures that every pupil has a number of known and trusted adults to support their learning and welfare needs at every moment during the school day.

Caring for every student’s welfare

Through careful planning and organisation of the learning environment, FS teachers and assistants ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically and socially. Self-esteem and confidence are nurtured so that children become active learners. Through the introduction of the ‘Golden Rules’ a caring community is created where pupils learn to care for themselves, others and the school environment. This is a significant time for our pupils since the foundations are being laid upon which the rest of their education will build.

Stimulating resources to support learning.

FS pupils enjoy a large, bright open-plan area equipped with natural resources and  stimulating resources.  The classroom learning hub is supported by an engaging courtyard just outside.  This area is focused on providing opportunities for learning through play.  Pupils can choose from different areas including art, reading, construction, imaginative play, bikes and trikes, sand play, language games, mathematics games and more.  Bathroom facilities are adjacent to the learning space.

 

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