Early Years Foundation Stage

Children in our Little Kenelm's Pre-School and Reception classes follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework.

At Our Lady & St Kenelm, our planning and teaching within the EYFS incorporates the children’s interests and individual needs. Learning takes place in both the indoor and outdoor environments and the children take part in a range of adult-led and child-led activities.

The children are encouraged to take part in first-hand experiences, play, explore, experiment, think critically, and solve problems. We celebrate each child as a unique individual and work in partnership with parents to ensure the best outcomes for all of the children.

The Seven Areas of Learning and Development

Prime Areas (crucial for early development)

1. Communication and Language

   • Listening, Attention, and Understanding

   • Speaking

2. Physical Development

   • Gross and Fine Motor Skills

3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

   • Self-Regulation

   • Managing Self

   • Building Relationships

Specific Areas (develop as children grow)

1. Literacy

   • Comprehension

   • Word Reading

   • Writing

2. Mathematics

   • Number

   • Numerical Patterns

3. Understanding the World

   • Past and Present

   • People, Culture, and Communities

   • The Natural World

4. Expressive Arts and Design

   • Creating with Materials

   • Being Imaginative and Expressive

Characteristics of Effective Learning

The characteristics of effective learning run through and underpin all seven areas of learning and development, representing processes rather than outcomes. The Characteristics of effective learning are:

• Playing and exploring – engagement
• Active learning- motivation
• Creating and thinking critically- thinking