Foundation Stage
-
Mrs Lindsey Dash
Polkerris Class Teacher
-
Mrs Lisa Philp
Charlestown Class Teacher
Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We have two classes in Foundation Stage and they are taught by Miss Penny Makinson (Polkerris) and Mrs Lisa Philp (Charlestown).
The Foundation Stage
At Carclaze Community Primary School we recognise how important those early years are in developing confident and capable lifelong learners. It is a crucial time in laying secure foundations in which all other learning can be built upon. Children’s development progresses rapidly during this time and we want to make the most of this momentum as they start their educational journey with us. Our positive approach to effort and resilience fosters strong, independent and capable learners allowing us to set challenging and realistic targets for children.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage we follow the revised Development Matters. Within this we focus on both the Prime and Specific Areas of Learning.
The Prime Areas of Learning include:
- Communication and Language
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
These are the fundamental skills that support all other learning. It is important that children have strong skills in these areas to help support them fully within the Specific Areas of Learning:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Art and Design
Within the Foundation Stage we set realistic and challenging expectations that feed into the needs of our children, so that most achieve the Early Learning Goals by the end of the Foundation Stage.
We use a digital system called Interactive Learning Diary to carry out observations and capture key pieces of children’s development throughout the year. These observations and our knowledge of the children helps to inform our next steps for them on their learning pathway.
'In the EYFS, learning is interesting and engaging. Teachers assess children accurately. They use this information to ensure that children are supported well in their next steps.'
Ofsted November 2021
The Uniqueness of Every Child
At Carclaze School we recognise that each child in unique. We are firm believers that each child has the potential to be a competent and confident learner. We understand that children develop at different rates and in varying ways whilst holding on to a drive and rigor for learning. Our planning takes the needs of all into account. This includes the needs of both boys and girls, of children with special educational needs, of children with disabilities, of children from all social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, of those from diverse linguistic backgrounds and children who are working at a greater depth. We consider the range of children’s life experiences, prior learning and their unique view of the world around them. Our aim is for each and every child to achieve and we understand that this can look different for different children.
'Pupils thrive in an inclusive culture where everyone is valued.'
Ofsted November 2021
Our Ethos
At Carclaze School we aim to offer children a wide variety of experiences and opportunities. We understand that it is by fostering a spark of curiosity or helping to light a fire of determination or self-belief that powerful, determined and passionate learners will emerge.
Alongside opportunity we understand that children’s view of themselves is vital. If children believe in their own capabilities and are taught to be resilient when faced with challenge then they are far more likely to succeed in all that they do. Our school values play a huge role in supporting this shared language that runs through the school.
We know that it is when children are fully involved and active within their play that the deepest learning takes place. We plan provision based around the children’s interests, needs and next steps.
'Play is the work of childhood.' Piaget
Sessions are carefully planned to ensure children receive the right level of challenge and success whist providing them opportunity to plan and develop their own learning in Plan, Do and Review sessions. There is some talk about a need to make the Early Years more formal but we can assure you that it is possible to achieve high standards and drive learning forwards within a play based approach.
'Play is the highest form of research.' Albert Einstein
At Carclaze School we value the learning processes that take place within play, when children refine their work and adapt when faced with challenge. It is this adaptability and flexibly that prepares them well for a world ahead of them we cannot yet envisage. The Foundation Stage is a strong bedrock for life not just school.
‘We are now at a point where we must educate our children in what no one knew yesterday, and prepare our schools for what no one knows yet.' Margret Mead
Starting School Transitions
At Carclaze School we ensure that children receive a smooth transition into school life. We work with preschool providers to make sure that we know the children well before they start their journey with us and value the knowledge and expertise that they have about the children in their care.
We have worked hard to develop a transition plan that gives us time to build those important relationships with children and their families while they experience elements of school life in preparation for September. September begins with staggered starts to enable us to really get to know the children and to spend some important time settling them into their new routines and expectations. By the time children finish their first complete week of school they are in school fulltime. Our transition plan is something we are continually adapting to meet the needs of our children and the changing Covid-19 situation. It is lovely to see the joy and excitement on the children’s faces when they are wearing their new school uniforms and become part of our school family.
'The relationships between pupils and staff are strong.'
'Staff know pupils very well.'
Ofsted November 2021
Parents as Partners
At Carclaze School we value the link between home and school. We are proud of the open relationships we create with parents which helps to support the children socially, emotionally and educationally as they grow.
Each term there are planned opportunities for parents to discuss the children's learning with the Foundation Stage team and the child themselves. However, in addition we also send home numerous letters including half termly overviews, practical home learning ideas and supporting materials. A member of the Foundation Stage team is always available at the end of the day if you need to catch us briefly for anything or alternatively you can arrange a longer meeting in private with the office.
'Children don't need more things. The best toy a child can have is a parent who gets down on the floor and plays with them.’ Â Dr Bruce Perry
The Foundation Stage Team Around the Child
Within the Foundation Stage we have a group of highly experienced and knowledgeable Early Years professionals. We are passionate about what we do and how we do it. We see ourselves as guardians of childhood whilst supporting children to learn, grow and develop. We bring together a wealth of experiences working in a range of different Early Years settings and know how important collaboration is.
In addition to our core team we are also supported by Mrs Gynn our school SENDCo, Mrs Bilkey our speech and language teaching assistant, Mrs Lenz-Williams our school learning mentor and Luna our school therapy dog. This support, alongside that of other external professionals, helps to ensure that we meet the needs of each and every child in our care. We are sure you will quickly get to know our dedicated and welcoming team.
'What a child can do in cooperation today, he can do alone tomorrow'. Vygotsky
We will work closely with your child to help them achieve some amazing things during their time with us at Carclaze School. However, it is a lovely moment for us when we can step back and observe them do something completely independently. It is this independent application of a new skill that demonstrates strong learning has taken place.