EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage
Intent
At Bellfield, we provide a bespoke curriculum that builds on children’s prior learning and prepares them for a smooth transition into Key Stage 1. Our aim is to create a secure foundation for lifelong learning, offering rich opportunities to enhance and embed knowledge and skills. We nurture independence, curiosity, and confidence, ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging within our school community.
Implementation
Our immersive learning environment promotes exploration and creativity through well-planned, resourced spaces that reflect children’s interests. Communication and language are prioritised, alongside opportunities for independent thinking and expressive learning. Each term begins with exciting ‘hooks’ to spark curiosity and engagement.
Highly skilled practitioners observe, review, and refine learning experiences to ensure progression and continuity. Observations inform planning and resource provision, supporting personalised learning journeys. Outdoor spaces are used as an extension of the classroom to provide varied experiences.
We follow the Statutory EYFS Framework, focusing on the four principles:
- A Unique Child
- Positive Relationships
- Enabling Environments
- Learning and Development
Children develop across seven areas: Communication & Language, Personal, Social & Emotional Development, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts & Design. Play-based learning encourages exploration, active engagement, and critical thinking.
Impact
Children leave EYFS happy, confident, and ready for Key Stage 1. They demonstrate resilience, independence, and enthusiasm for learning. Continuous assessment through observations, work samples, and parental feedback ensures progress and informs next steps. Our approach equips children with the skills and attitudes needed for future success.
Development & Assessment
The outside area is seen as an extension of the classroom and the above opportunities will be available outside as well as inside.
Through all of our strands we aim to develop the children as they Play and Explore, be an Active Learner and to have Creative and Critical Thinking.
The staff are constantly assessing the children in their everyday activities, play and through more focused work. We use observations of the children, photos, the work that they do, feedback from parents and comments made by the children.
