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Horizon Academy Trust is an exempt charity regulated by the Secretary of State for Education.

company number 08411590

registered office is C/O Biggin Hill Primary School, Biggin Avenue, Bransholme, Hull, United Kingdom HU7 4RL.

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Spring Cottage

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

How do we organise our EYFS?

At Spring Cottage Primary School our early years foundation stage consists of our nursery class and two reception classes. All children follow the early years curriculum.

The Early Years curriculum is organised into seven areas:

Prime areas:

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

Specific areas:

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

Our Early Years teaching is based on the fundamental principal that children learn best through play and ‘hands on’ experiences. We recognise that every child is unique and learning happens when they are engaged and motivated in their play and happy and secure in their learning environment. Here at Spring Cottage Primary, we are very proud of our caring setting and of our rich and enabling environment where children begin their lifelong love of learning. 

The areas of learning are developed throughout the year within a variety of topics. Staff plan activities to ensure coverage of the curriculum but will follow the children's lead, to ensure that teaching reflects their interests. Each classroom has an outdoor area, which children have access to daily, in all weather conditions.

Early Years staff work closely together, along with parents and carers, to provide a safe and secure environment where children feel confident to explore and investigate through self-initiated play and planned learning experiences. We believe the partnership between parent/carer and the school is very important and know that our job as educators is enhanced by the hard work and support you give to your child at home.

Throughout the year, we hold parent workshops and 'Stay and Play' sessions to provide parents and carers with the opportunity to learn more about what the children do in school. 

Our EYFS Vision

Grow Together, Learn Together, make the most of every day. 

In the Foundation Stage at Spring Cottage Primary School we aim to: 

  • Provide a safe and nurturing environment in which supports the growth of confidence, independence, resilience, positive relationships and a love of learning.
  • Provide an excellent and enjoyable education where each child is valued and supported in their learning to achieve and fulfil their full potential.
  • Work in close partnership with parents and carers and make the most of every interaction and experience and use these as opportunities for learning.

How to prepare your child for starting school

Starting school can be daunting for both children and parents but it marks the start of an exciting new chapter. Before you know it your child will be making friends, learning new skills and becoming increasingly independent. Here are some things you may find useful to help prepare your child for starting school:

  1. Share books with your child about starting school. This can be a useful way of discussing the topic and any worries they may have.
  2. Reassure your child that there are lots of new children starting school and they are not on their own. Explain that they will make lots of new friends.
  3. Talk to your child about what they will wear to school. When possible try on their uniform.
  4. Rehearse in your child’s mind how they will go into school and hang up their coat and how you or another adult will be waiting for them at the end of the day.
  5. Your child will receive a transition book so they can look at pictures of the classroom and the adults who will be working with them. Use this book to talk about all the things they will be doing at school and talk about their teacher by name.
  6. Sing lots of nursery rhymes and songs so your child can join in on the first day.
  7. Reassure your child that they only need to ask if they need help.
  8. Support your child to be independent when using the toilet, washing their hands, eating, drinking, dressing and undressing. They will feel much more confident if they can do things on their own.
  9. Help your child to practise holding a pencil and using it to draw pictures and write their name.
  10. Support your child to develop their attention span so they can take part in simple games, wait for their turn, listen to others and follow simple instructions.

Useful links for school readiness

How to support your child to be independent - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrg8gwx

Top tips for toilet training - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdv9382

How do I know if my child has SEND? - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zkmhmfr

Starting primary school with SEND - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zv8q8xs

How to build resilience in your child - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbbrrj6

How to help your child make friends at school - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z6qtqp3