Reception Early Years Foundation Stage

Intent

The Foundation Stage follows a unique curriculum that enables every child to have the best possible start in life. We recognise that children begin their school journey from different starting points and progress at different rates. Our EYFS curriculum embraces these differences and celebrates the uniqueness of each child.

We believe the Early Years is a crucial stage that lays the foundations for future learning, shaping children’s confidence, wellbeing, curiosity and long‑term success. At Helsby Hillside, we support all Reception children to become independent, happy and confident learners who fully engage in their exciting, varied curriculum. Through our guiding principles, we provide an inclusive indoor and outdoor environment that promotes positive outcomes and prepares children socially, emotionally and academically for Year 1 and beyond.

Our EYFS curriculum aims to ensure children:

• build positive attitudes to school and a love of learning

• recognise and celebrate their individuality and the uniqueness of others

• experience curiosity, challenge and a sense of awe and wonder

• become confident communicators with a strong, rich vocabulary

• develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually

• make excellent progress across all areas of learning

• understand and manage their emotions and behaviour, showing respect for others

• become independent, active learners who play, explore and think critically

  Our EYFS provision is based upon four overarching principles from the EYFS framework:

• A Unique Child

• Positive Relationships

• Enabling Learning Environments

• Learning and Development

Implementation

We follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, organised into:

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

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

At Helsby Hillside, we provide a warm and stimulating environment where children feel happy, safe and ready to learn. Learning is delivered through a balance of child‑initiated play and adult‑led teaching. Our curriculum is enriched with seasonal, cultural and religious events and is flexible enough to respond to children’s emerging interests.

Teaching is delivered through direct instruction, group work, individual support and high‑quality play. Books and stories are central to our curriculum; adults read daily to model language, introduce new concepts and inspire imagination. Read Write Inc is used to deliver systematic phonics and early reading.

Our indoor and outdoor Continuous Provision enables children to apply their skills independently, using the Characteristics of Effective Learning: Playing and Exploring, Active Learning, and Thinking Critically. Hands‑on experiences, engaging enhancements and repeated exposure to key vocabulary help children secure and retain new knowledge.

Strong relationships with families are central to our practice. We communicate regularly, share learning and work in partnership to support each child’s development at home and in school.

Ongoing observations and assessments inform next steps for every child, ensuring strong progress and preparing them well for the demands of the National Curriculum.

Impact

At Helsby Hillside, our Reception children leave EYFS as happy, enthusiastic and confident learners who are well prepared for Year 1 and beyond. They carry with them the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes that will support them throughout their education. Working closely with families, we help children develop a genuine enjoyment of school and a lasting enthusiasm for learning.

We aim for all children to make at least good progress across the EYFS and for the majority to achieve the Early Learning Goals by the end of Reception, meeting or exceeding national expectations. By the time they leave Reception, pupils are ready for Key Stage 1 and the National Curriculum, with our school values firmly embedded as they continue their journey through Helsby Hillside.