At Shaw Primary Academy we create resilient motivated children who are bravely independent in their never ending learning journey.  We want them to be curious, challenge themselves and have the ability to adapt and grow as their future education and employment becomes a reality. The children are exposed to a wide range of high order vocabulary that will equip them with the ability to communicate effectively in a range of situations and confidently articulate their ideas while engaging with others from all walks of life. Our intention is to ensure that children from a range of backgrounds, cultures and religions feel represented in order to see and understand that they have opportunities to achieve goals that may otherwise feel out of reach.

EYFS Curriculum

We plan an exciting and challenging curriculum across the seven areas of learning in order for children to achieve the early learning goals.

There are three prime areas of learning in EYFS.  

• Communication and Language,
• Personal, social and Emotional Development,
• Physical Development. 

There are also four specific areas of learning.  

• Literacy,
• Mathematics,
• Knowledge and Understanding,
• Expressive Arts and Design.

Children are provided with a range of meaningful first hand experiences where they can explore, think creatively and be actively involved in a wealth of learning experiences. We base learning experiences upon the three characteristics of effective learning in EYFS;

• Playing and Exploring,
• Active learning and Creating
• Thinking Critically. 

We ensure all areas of the curriculum are planned for in a cross-curricular and creative way and we strive to ensure positive attitudes towards all areas of learning in the EYFS. We respect that children have different starting points and previous learning and we strive to provide a nurturing environment for all. We do this through providing a range of child led, hands on learning opportunities as well as teaching moments taking into account the children's interests and continuous and extended provision both indoors and outdoors. 

The children are encouraged to follow their personal interests and explore the world around them. They are encouraged to choose activities and explore their environment independently, with adults facilitating as required. We share a range of healthy snacks every day and we learn about the importance of a healthy balanced diet. We celebrate local traditions throughout the year as part of our curriculum. 

The impact of our Early Years Curriculum is measured by how our pupils grow and develop into individuals who know our school values and have learnt the knowledge, skills and learning behaviours needed to make them lifelong learners and valuable future citizens. 

Environment

The whole of the EYFS area, both indoor and out is designed to provide continuous provision covering all areas of the curriculum. Each area is equipped with various learning resources that stimulate play. Play is based around prior learning and building upon the children’s interests to ensure each child has an enjoyable and satisfying learning experience.

Safety

Children’s safety and welfare are paramount to the EYFS. We provide an environment which is safe and allows children to make their own judgements and assess risks. We ensure that all areas, including the outside area, have sufficient members of staff to safeguard all children. We risk -assess all areas and equipment to ensure they are safe.

Parents/Carers please get involved...

We believe it is vital that the parents have positive influence and involvement in their children’s education to develop their learning in a wider context.  Our Early Years Teachers are available for quick updates at the beginning and end of the day, but longer messages can always be relayed via our school office. We encourage parents to let us know about their child's learning at home, their comments about school and the learning from school that they share with you all of which we can add to their learning journey. Please complete a 'wow moments' sheet of any moments you are proud of at home; we will share these together and display them. 

Parents and/or carers are kept up to date with their child’s progress and development through regular parent’s evenings and progress reports.

For information about registering your child for a place in our nursery, or to request a visit for prospective reception children, please contact the school at:

Tel: 01708 852367

Or email

FPSO@shawprimary.thurrock.sch.uk