Early Years Foundation Stage

About EYFS

Every day in our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is an opportunity for growth and discovery. At Eden Park, our EYFS begins in Grasshoppers (Reception) and our nursery settings. We are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment in which every child feels safe, valued and ready to learn.

We believe in high expectations for all children, regardless of their starting point, and in providing a strong start to their educational journey. Our EYFS provision is designed so that children flourish socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

Our Curriculum

At Eden Park, our EYFS curriculum is progressive, skills-based, and rooted in a clear framework of intent, implementation, and impact. It is thoughtfully designed to ensure strong outcomes for all children through a strong, coherent start to their learning journey.

• Intent
  We aim to instil a love of learning, curiosity, and confidence in our youngest pupils. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge, understanding and skills build incrementally over time. We prioritise the development of language, communication, early maths, personal, social and emotional development, physical development and literacy.
• Implementation
  Our setting offers a blend of adult-led teaching, guided activities, and child-initiated play in enabling environments. Staff use high-quality interactions and scaffolding to deepen learning. We focus on embedding key skills through continuous provision, learning through play, and targeted support. The curriculum is aligned with national expectations and ensures progression into Key Stage 1.
• Impact
  We measure impact through ongoing assessment, formative observation, and reflection. Children make strong gains from their starting points. We look for evidence of secure milestones in all areas of learning, ensuring children are well prepared for transition to Year 1.

This curriculum ensures strong outcomes: children leave EYFS excited, confident learners ready for their next steps.

Enriching EYFS

We believe learning extends beyond the classroom. Our EYFS enrichment adds breadth and depth to children’s experiences:

• Trips & Visits
  Children enjoy visits to the local beach, hospital, fire station, post office or library, where they encounter real-life experiences that link to curriculum themes and deepen understanding.
• Visitors & Experts
  We regularly invite storytellers, nature experts, local community members, and professionals into our setting to spark interest and curiosity.
• Links to National Curriculum
  Although EYFS has its own statutory framework, we ensure clear alignment with the National Curriculum’s expectations. We carefully consider the content and skills children need to transition smoothly into Key Stage 1 and beyond.
• Enrichment in Setting
  We embed enrichment through themed weeks, special events, hands-on projects, forest school or outdoor learning opportunities, performances and more. We use celebrations, festivals and community links to broaden children’s experiences and understanding of the world.

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