Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
At Ashperton Primary Academy, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is built upon a clear and ambitious intent: to create a nurturing learning environment where strong relationships support, enhance and inspire every child’s curiosity, confidence and individual strengths to flourish—regardless of their background, circumstances or needs. We work in close partnership with parents and carers to develop independent, enthusiastic learners who are motivated to thrive and achieve their full potential.
We believe that every child’s learning journey should begin with a strong foundation. From the moment children enter our EYFS, we prioritise their physical, verbal, cognitive and emotional development, while fostering a positive attitude towards school and a lifelong love of learning. By carefully considering each child’s starting point, we ensure that all pupils receive a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum that supports both their current development and future opportunities. Through responding to children’s interests and individual needs, we provide meaningful learning experiences that support progress and help every child achieve their next steps.
At Ashperton, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, underpinned by four key principles:
- The Unique Child – recognising that every child is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured
- Positive Relationships – supporting children to become strong and independent
- Enabling Environments – providing experiences tailored to individual needs through strong partnerships with families
- Learning and Development – acknowledging that children learn and develop in different ways
Our early years curriculum is based on research, fundamental beliefs about how children learn and our school’s unique context. This enables us to deliver a curriculum that ensures all children make the best possible progress in the EYFS. Learning is structured around the seven areas of development, which are interconnected and closely linked with the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
High-quality texts drive our topics, enriching vocabulary and deepening understanding, while first-hand experiences—such as outdoor learning, visitors and educational visits—foster curiosity, awe and a love of discovery. Children are encouraged to explore, solve problems and think creatively throughout their learning.
Our curriculum is designed to nurture children as:
- Competent and creative learners, who are curious about the world around them
- Secure and confident individuals, who enjoy school and embrace new learning
- Skilful communicators, who express themselves and connect with others through rich language and play
A strong emphasis is placed on early reading, with high-quality teaching of systematic, synthetic phonics to ensure children can read words and simple sentences accurately by the end of Reception.
Our inclusive curriculum supports all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities with a curriculum that evolves each year in response to children’s interests, starting points and ongoing development. We provide language-rich experiences through a balance of play-based learning and focused teaching to ensure children are ready for the transition to Year 1.
Children benefit from a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment, including Forest School, where they engage in both planned activities and child-initiated exploration.
We place great importance on promoting healthy lifestyles, ensuring children have access to nutritious snacks, regular physical activity and learning opportunities around self-care, including oral hygiene.
Although Technology is no longer an Early Learning Goal, we recognise its importance and provide opportunities for children to use technology safely, purposefully and collaboratively, preparing them for the next stage of their education.
At Ashperton Primary Academy, our EYFS is a place where every child is valued, inspired and empowered to begin their lifelong learning journey with confidence and joy.
Red Class EYFS Foundation Stage
EYFS
