Curriculum – Early Years Foundation Stage
In the Early Years at Queen Boudica Primary School, children begin their learning in a safe, inclusive and purposeful environment where they are supported to explore, develop independence and build strong foundations for future learning. Reception is the first stage of the school curriculum, where children develop the essential knowledge, skills and learning behaviours they need to succeed.
Our Early Years curriculum is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and is ambitious, carefully sequenced and designed to support strong progress from children’s starting points. Learning is planned to build cumulatively over time, with a clear focus on communication and language, early reading, writing and mathematics. Children’s interests are valued and used to enhance engagement; however, adults play an active role in shaping learning so experiences are purposeful and aligned to curriculum goals.
We place reading at the heart of our EYFS curriculum and foster a love of books from the moment children join our school. Systematic phonics teaching begins immediately in Reception and follows a consistent, school-wide approach (Read Write Inc.). Carefully chosen high-quality texts are used to develop vocabulary, oracy and comprehension, supporting children to talk confidently about what they are learning and to make sense of the world around them.
Play is an essential part of learning in Reception and is carefully balanced with direct teaching. Our daily timetable provides opportunities for children to apply and rehearse what they have been taught through purposeful play within our continuous provision. Adults support learning through high-quality interaction, knowing when to intervene to deepen understanding and address misconceptions, and when to step back to promote independence.
Early mathematics focuses on developing secure number sense, including subitising, composition and comparison. Learning is structured to support children to build fluency and confidence with number through practical experiences, talk and repetition, alongside carefully planned adult input.
We value the importance of outdoor learning and make full use of our Reception gardens, playground and on-site Forest School environment throughout the year. Children take part in regular Forest School sessions, where they explore the natural environment, develop physical skills and learn to manage risk safely. These experiences are carefully planned to support children’s personal development, language and understanding of the world, while building confidence and independence.
In our Early Years provision, children develop curiosity, resilience and a positive attitude to learning, laying strong foundations for their journey through school. By the end of Reception, they have developed the knowledge, skills and learning behaviours needed to transition confidently into Year 1, with secure foundations in communication and language, early reading, writing, mathematics and independence.
