The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum
In our Early Years, we provide a nurturing, inspiring and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, confident and curious about the world around them. We believe that every child is unique and capable and through purposeful play, high-quality interactions and carefully sequenced teaching we build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Our approach is rooted in the EYFS Statutory Framework and informed by Development Matters, Ofsted’s Best Start in Life guidance and the work of the NCETM, ensuring that children receive a rich, coherent and ambitious start to their education.
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We are committed to developing the whole child by supporting their physical, emotional, social and cognitive growth so that they become resilient, independent and kind individuals. Our curriculum is designed to spark joy, creativity and a love of discovery, while fostering the key skills, knowledge and attitudes children need to thrive both now and in the future. Through meaningful experiences and carefully planned learning opportunities, we help children make connections between new learning and their existing knowledge and lived experiences.
Strong, trusting relationships sit at the heart of our Early Years provision at Whitley Lodge First School. We nurture children through secure connections and high-quality interactions that support confidence, communication and wellbeing. Children are given time and space for independent exploration and enquiry, recognising that play is central to both cognitive and emotional development. Alongside this, we provide clear and purposeful direct teaching to introduce important knowledge and skills, always considering each child’s individual starting point and managing cognitive load so that learning is accessible and meaningful.
Working in partnership with families and the wider community, we endeavour to ensure that every child leaves our Early Years ready for the next stage of their school journey — confident in who they are, eager to learn and proud of what they can achieve.
Our values in Early Years
- Child-Centred: Children are at the heart of all we do.
- Nurturing: We build secure relationships through warmth, consistency and care.
- Curious: We encourage exploration, enquiry and creativity.
- Ambitious: We deliver a well-sequenced, progressive and knowledge-rich curriculum for all.
- Playful: We believe in the power of play as a vehicle for learning.
- Reflective: We make links between what children already know and what they are ready to learn next.
