'Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.'

Proverbs 22:6

Guardian Angels’ Early Years Foundation Stage

Our Mission Statement ‘We follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to love, learn and grow’ is at the heart of everything we do at Guardian Angels’ RCPS. Our EYFS is rooted in Christian values and provides a secure foundation for future learning and development for later life.​

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• We believe that every child is unique. They are constantly learning and can grow to be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. ​

• We hope the children learn to be strong and independent as they build positive relationships with the staff and peers in their school.​

• We provide a happy, safe, stimulating and welcoming environment to support the children in becoming proactive and independent learners.​

• We have created a broad and balanced curriculum which has been tailored to the needs and interests of our children and the wider community. We understand that the children develop in different ways and at different rates and plan for this in our teaching and with strategically chosen resources in the provision areas in the learning environment. ​

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Within our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we accommodate a 30 place reception cohort for children aged between 4 and 5. Our nursery classroom also accommodated 30 children and is located next door to our reception classroom. The children in the EYFS share an outdoor learning environment. The children in nursery are aged 3 and 4 years old. The vast majority attend full time, 30 hours a week, between the hours of 8:30am and 3:00pm. Children with a 15 hour place attend between 8:30am and 11:30am with the option of staying for the lunch hour. ​

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The statutory framework (2021) states that 1.6 Educational programmes must involve activities and experiences for children, as set out under each of the areas of learning. The expectations for children’s development must ensure that cognitive development proceeds hand-in-hand with their social and personal development. ​

Our EYFS curriculum, enabling environments and play based learning allows children to develop confidence, independence, interpersonal skills, build resilience and become creative thinkers. We give them support that enables them to fulfil their potential putting emphasis on providing individual pathways based on the child's stage of development. This is done through a balance of child-led and adult initiated learning. ​The children are encouraged to take ownership of their own learning as they 'choose their own learning' during continuous provision time each day. 

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​The EYFS curriculum is thoughtfully integrated across various subjects to ensure comprehensive coverage and effectively prepare the children for school. While the EYFS curriculum serves as the foundation of our teaching, it is organised into distinct subjects to facilitate a well-rounded educational experience. By strategically planning the curriculum in this manner, we ensure that all essential areas of learning are addressed, equipping the children with the necessary skills and knowledge as they progress in their educational journey. ​

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​We have grown a curriculum outlining the knowledge we want children to acquire, but our teaching approach is driven by the children themselves and their interests. While ensuring comprehensive coverage of the planned curriculum, we actively incorporate the children's interests, seasonal topics and common passions, to enhance our teaching plans. By embracing and incorporating these elements, we create a dynamic, broad and engaging curriculum.  Early reading skills are developed through the use of our phonics scheme (RWI) and pre-reading skills (phase 1 phonics). This is enhanced by the use of a core literacy text which provides a base for child-centred topics that encompass the 7 areas of learning in the EYFS curriculum.  

The EYFS are an integral part of our school and take part in  whole school events including attending  assemblies, mass in church, whole school trips, sports day, and fundraisers.