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    • EYFS

    Hello and welcome to our Foundation Stage at St. Mary’s!

    Foundation Stage is a fun and exciting place to be! We learn through both child-initiated and adult-directed, play-based activities in our stimulating indoor environment, as well as in our well-equipped outdoor provision and grassed learning spaces.

     

    St Mary’s Catholic Primary School – EYFS Curriculum Intent

    At St Mary’s, our Early Years curriculum is rooted in our Catholic mission to love one another, value each child as special to God, and nurture the whole child. Guided by the Early Years Framework, Development Matters, and our school’s curriculum drivers – Outdoor Learning, Sport, Growth Mindset, and Oracy – our bespoke curriculum is designed to meet the unique needs and experiences of our children and community.

    Outdoor learning lies at the heart of our provision, offering real-life, vocabulary-rich opportunities that inspire curiosity, risk-taking, collaboration, and a deep respect for the natural world. We prioritise the Prime Areas – communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development – as the foundation for lifelong learning.

    Through playful, purposeful experiences, high-quality adult interactions, and our topic approach, we support children to become motivated, independent learners. Our curriculum is underpinned by the Characteristics of Effective Learning, enabling children to think critically, explore creatively, and thrive socially and emotionally.

    Nursery rhymes and rich language experiences are embedded across all learning to develop oracy, listening, confidence, and early literacy skills. Through everything we do, we help children grow into confident, capable individuals with a strong sense of self, belonging, and purpose.

     

    Outdoor Learning

    At St Mary's we are fortunate enough to have outside areas where our pupils can continue their learning and are perfectly situated to utilise the reservoir and Harrington Shore to enhance our outdoor learning.  Pupils are encouraged to explore planned structured activities that support all areas of the EYFS curriculum.  The outside space provides pupils with a safe and motivating environment, that not only enhances academic achievement but also promotes a healthy lifestyle.  The natural environment provides comfort and calm, and assists pupils to develop regulation skills to support their well-being.