The Early Years Foundation Stage Classes at GANF aim to deliver a balanced educational curriculum in line with statutory guidance. The EYFS takes into account the individual needs of children and works to help them become confident, independent members of the community, able to communicate with adults and other children.
The EYFS curriculum is based on an observation of children’s needs, interests and stages of development. In partnership with parents, GANF promotes the learning and development of pupils to ensure they are ready for the next stage of education.
The areas of learning and development in EYFS are underpinned by the ‘Characteristics of effective Learning’:
– Playing and exploring
– Active learning
– Creating and thinking critically
There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape education programmes in EYFS settings. These are split into two sections – Prime and Specific; however, all the sections are interconnected and important.
The three prime areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive throughout their school career. These three areas are:
– Communication & language
Listening, attention & understanding
Speaking
– Physical development
Gross motor skills
Fine motor skills
– Personal, social and emotional development
Self regulation
Managing self
Building relationship
We also focus planned activities to support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:
– Literacy
Comprehension
Word reading
Writing
– Mathematics
Number
Numerical patterns
– Understanding the world
Past and present
People, culture and communities
The natural world
– Expressive Arts & Design
Creating with materials
Being imaginative and expressive
We develop all of these areas through both child initiated and adult initiated activities. The exploration of both the indoor and outdoor environments is an important aspect in aiding our children’s development in all areas.
We often explore the local community including trips to the shop, park, library and sensory room. We feel that this is important in developing their learning in real life experiences.
What our parents say…
We have seen a huge change in our son’s attitude, attention and general demeanour in the time he has been at GANF. He is more confident, is able to articulate his thoughts and feelings much better and seems much happier as a result.
Mrs S – Parent
The staff have worked tirelessly to quickly identified areas where my child struggles, to ensure his needs are catered for whilst providing structured learning to suit his requirements in order that he may reach his full potential.
Mr D – Parent
I would strongly recommend looking into an additional needs school setting for an individualised approach. GANF has genuinely made a huge difference to our son and our life as a family. We are extremely pleased with the choice we made.
Mr Ebdale – Parent
