EYFS

Early Years Foundation Stage

At Ballifield, we believe in being part of a “family of learning.” As a school we have a strong ethos of inspiring children to enjoy learning. We celebrate the rich diversity within our community and nurture children’s individuality. We aim to raise standards, improve outcomes and support each pupil’s welfare, learning and developmental needs in the EYFS.

Our Early Years Foundation Stage includes a 39 place Nursery unit and 2 Reception classes.

For more information about our EYFS click here

EYFS curriculum

Staff follow the educational programmes as outlined in the 2021 statutory framework of the EYFS, which has been used, alongside the Development Matters, to develop our own curriculum.

The EYFS framework includes 7 areas of learning and development that are equally important and inter-connected. However, 3 areas known as the prime areas are seen as particularly important for building a foundation to ignite children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, form relationships and thrive.

The prime areas are:

Communication and language
Physical development
Personal, social and emotional development

The prime areas are strengthened and applied through 4 specific areas:

Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the world
Expressive arts and design

Parental engagement

We recognise that children learn and develop well when there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents/carers. Our strong partnerships have a huge impact on the effectiveness of our EYFS at Ballifield.

To support our wider curriculum, we provide regular opportunities for parents/carers to come into school and work with their child, share their work and celebrate successes. This includes coffee afternoons, stay and play sessions, parent workshops, teddy bears picnic, Tapestry online learning journey, reports and parent consultations as well as more frequent informal communication to suit individual families.

We also have a thriving PTA (Parent Teacher Association) that meet on a regular basis and are always ready to welcome new parents.  We also have opportunities for parent governors to support and develop our school further.

• talking about school in a positive way
  talking about their feelings and what to do if they feel a certain emotion
  enjoying stories and songs
  getting your child outside to develop physical skills
  practising putting their coat
  practising using a knife and fork and feeding themselves
  limiting screen time
  practising using the toilet independently

Further information

To find out more or to arrange a visit please call the school office on: 0114 2697557

For statutory information about the Early Years Foundation stage please click here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b582a1cc8356c3c882a94b/Early_years_foundation_stage_statutory_framework_-_for_group_and_school-based_providers.pdf

We also ensure that as a school we follow the EYFS nutrition guidance. More information can be found via the link below:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67f8e61c04146682e61bc84c/Nutrition_guidance_for_early_years_providers.pdf