At Thringstone, our vision is to Believe and Achieve Together, and this begins from a child’s very first day in school. In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we place great importance on helping every child feel safe, secure and valued, so they are confident to explore, learn and grow.

Children start school with a wide range of experiences. Our role is to ensure that every child builds strong foundations in speaking, listening, reading, writing and early maths. These early skills are essential for success throughout school and beyond. We also support children to develop memory, focus and self-control, helping them to become confident, independent learners who enjoy coming to school.

Our EYFS curriculum is shaped by our three drivers: Aspiration, Communication and Culture. These guide children to aim high, share their learning with confidence and develop an understanding of both their local community and the wider world.

Literacy

Storytelling and high-quality books are central to our approach in Early Years. We want every child to enjoy stories and language, while also developing the key skills needed for reading and writing.

We follow Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised to teach phonics. This provides a clear, systematic approach to learning sounds, blending and early reading, giving children the foundations they need to become confident readers.

Alongside this, we use Talk for Writing to develop children’s speaking and writing skills. Children learn to retell stories using actions, pictures and shared language before moving on to writing their own ideas. This approach builds confidence, deepens understanding and supports children to become independent writers.

By the end of Reception, children are well prepared to move into Year 1 as confident early readers and writers, ready to build on the strong foundations they have developed.

Mathematics

We teach mathematics in a practical and structured way that helps children develop a deep understanding of number from an early age. Our teaching is rooted in the NCETM Mastering Number programme, which supports children to build secure foundations in counting, number relationships and early calculation.

This approach is supported by White Rose Maths, which provides a clear structure and high-quality resources to help children apply their learning through practical, hands-on activities and problem-solving.

Together, these approaches help children develop confidence, fluency and a strong sense of number, ensuring they are well prepared for the next stage of their learning in maths.

Learning Environment

Our classrooms and outdoor areas are carefully organised to encourage exploration, independence and active learning. Children are supported to practise and apply their learning through purposeful play, helping them to build confidence, curiosity and resilience.

Outdoor learning is an important part of EYFS at Thringstone. Children regularly use the outdoor area, garden, Forest School and natural spaces to develop teamwork, cooperation and problem-solving skills, while also building a love of learning through hands-on experiences.

Planning and Teaching

We balance direct teaching through whole-class, small-group and one-to-one sessions with purposeful play. This approach ensures children learn key skills with adult support, while also having time to practise, explore and apply their learning independently.

Our curriculum is designed so that every child can access learning successfully. Additional support is provided where needed, with a focus on building confidence and understanding rather than limiting challenge. Regular assessment and careful observation allow us to identify gaps quickly and respond effectively, ensuring all children continue to make strong progress.

Areas of Learning and Development

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, learning is organised into seven areas of learning and development.

These are grouped into Prime and Specific areas:

Prime Areas

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Physical Development

• Communication and Language

Specific Areas

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

The Prime Areas are particularly important in the early stages, as they support children’s ability to learn, build relationships and engage confidently with the wider curriculum. The Specific Areas build on these foundations and help children develop key knowledge, skills and understanding across a broad range of subjects.

Leadership

Our Early Years Foundation Stage is led by a dedicated Early Years team, working closely with the Headteacher, Mr Swales, and the EYFS/KS1 Lead, Miss Bowers.

Together, they ensure that our provision is ambitious, carefully planned and informed by the latest guidance and best practice. This strong leadership ensures that every child receives high-quality support and the very best start to their school journey.