At Barkston Ash Catholic Primary School, we understand the importance of high‑quality teaching and learning within the EYFS. We believe the early years are crucial in building strong foundations that pupils can continue to develop throughout their education. Our intention is to provide children with the best possible opportunities to grow across all areas of their development, while fostering a positive attitude towards school and learning.
We believe children learn best when teaching builds securely on what they already know and can do. Our Strong Foundations approach ensures every child is supported to make good progress from their starting point, while maintaining high expectations and access to a broad, ambitious curriculum.
The Foundation Stage follows a unique curriculum that enables every child to have the best start in life. We believe the Early Years is a vital stage that supports future learning, shaping children’s confidence, wellbeing, curiosity and long‑term success. At Barkston Ash, we support all Reception children to become happy, independent and confident learners. We provide a fully inclusive indoor and outdoor environment that promotes positive outcomes and prepares children socially, emotionally and academically for Year 1 and beyond.
Strong FoundationsIn Reception, strong foundation practice is centred on giving children the essential skills they need to thrive as confident, enthusiastic learners. Through a nurturing and engaging environment, we support development across early literacy, numeracy and personal, social and emotional learning.
High quality adult child interactions are at the heart of our approach, developing children’s language, curiosity and thinking skills. Daily, systematic phonics sessions support early reading, while practical, hands on experiences help children build a secure understanding of number and mathematical concepts.
We follow a clear progression for both fine and gross motor development, ensuring children are physically ready for writing. Daily opportunities strengthen a dynamic pencil grip, and structured teaching of letter formation ensures children learn to form letters correctly and confidently.
Our well planned continuous provision encourages children to explore independently within meaningful, engaging environments. Ongoing observation and assessment help staff identify individual needs, address gaps, and plan purposeful next steps.
We build strong foundations by working closely with parents, supporting learning at home, and adapting teaching to meet the needs of SEND and EAL learners. Emphasis is placed on emotional and social development through consistent routines, self‑regulation strategies, and positive relationships. Together, these approaches create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment that prepares every child for future success.
Strong Foundations focus on securing the essential building blocks for learning, including:
- communication and language
- reading and phonics
- writing and handwriting
- number sense and calculation
- confidence, independence and self-regulation
Rather than moving children on before they are ready, we prioritise helping them learn securely and confidently, so future learning is successful.
Strong Foundations in the Early Years (EYFS)
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Strong Foundations focus on:
- developing communication and language through high-quality interaction
- building early reading and number understanding
- supporting children to develop independence, curiosity and self-regulation
Learning is practical, play-based and carefully planned to meet children’s developmental needs, preparing them well for the transition into Year 1.
Reception Curriculum
Our Reception curriculum is carefully designed to support children’s developing needs, interests, and abilities. We plan clear progression in knowledge, skills, and concepts to ignite curiosity, foster a love of learning, and ensure full coverage of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
Children in reception are provided with a rich and varied range of learning experiences that support their development and prepare them for a smooth transition into Key Stage One. Learning is meaningful, engaging, and memorable, allowing children to build securely on what they know and retain their learning for the future.
We believe that every child can succeed. We are committed to equality and inclusion and strive to ensure that all children are supported to fulfil their potential, regardless of their starting points or individual needs. We value diversity and ensure that our curriculum is inclusive and accessible, following the SEND Code of Practice.
Our Early Years team draw upon their expertise and educational research to deliver high‑quality teaching and learning. We continually reflect upon and review our provision to ensure it evolves in response to the children, enriching their experiences and supporting lifelong learning.