EYFS

Welcome to EYFS at The Willows Primary School

At The Willows Primary School, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides children with the best possible start to their learning journey. Early Years begins in Nursery, where children join us from the age of three, and continues into Reception, when children have turned four. These early years are a vital time for growth, curiosity, and discovery, and we are committed to nurturing every child’s development in a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment.

It is our intent that every child at The Willows grows emotionally, socially, and academically, developing a strong sense of belonging and respect for all cultures and communities. We want our children to be resilient, ambitious, and respectful learners, ready to move confidently into the next stage of their education.

We encourage creativity and provide rich opportunities for children to develop their communication and language skills through play, exploration, and interaction. Our indoor and outdoor learning environments are carefully designed to inspire imagination, foster independence, and promote confidence. The curriculum we offer is adaptive and inclusive, ensuring that the individual needs of all children, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), are met with care and support.

Our Early Years curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework, which sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to five. The framework is built around seven areas of learning and development, divided into prime areas and specific areas:

Prime Areas of Learning

These are the essential foundations for children’s development and future learning.

Communication and Language – developing children’s ability to listen, understand, and express themselves effectively.
Physical Development – encouraging movement, coordination, and control, as well as promoting healthy habits and self-care.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development – helping children build relationships, develop self-confidence, and understand their emotions.

Specific Areas of Learning

These build upon the prime areas and help children to develop skills and knowledge for future learning.

Literacy – fostering a love of stories, reading, and writing through rich experiences with language and print.
Mathematics – developing understanding of numbers, patterns, and shapes through practical and playful exploration.
Understanding the World – encouraging curiosity about the environment, people, and communities around them.
Expressive Arts and Design – inspiring creativity through art, music, movement, role play, and imaginative activities.

At The Willows Primary School, we believe that every child is special and capable of achieving remarkable progress when nurtured in a supportive and nurturing environment. Our Early Years provision lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and discovery.