EYFS Staff

Mrs Gilmour-Teacher

Mrs McAteer-Teaching Assistant

Mrs Lawton-Teacher

At St Augustine’s CE Academy, we greatly value the importance of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in providing a secure foundation for future learning and development.

Our curriculum is designed to recognise children’s prior learning from previous settings, and experiences at home before providing first hand learning experiences. Every child is recognised as a unique individual and we celebrate and welcome differences within our school community. The ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values. Children are encouraged to be independent in their learning, with adults facilitating as required. At St Augustine’s, we track the learning and development of all children and adapt teaching strategies where necessary to ensure all children make progress. Early intervention is offered swiftly, to enable children to get additional, specialist help when required.

We provide enhancement opportunities to engage children in their learning and believe that their first experiences of school should be happy and positive, enabling children to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Nursery and Reception

Nursery and Reception classes are mixed with the class teacher leading both year groups. The provision is carefully designed to ensure all learners can access the learning and reach their full potential. Focus groups are planned in the school day, alongside child-initiated activities to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum is embedded and children have the opportunity to develop their independence.

Partnerships

We believe Parent Partnerships are fundamental in supporting children and building a solid foundation for development. Through working together and sharing information, children see learning as more enjoyable when their home life is reflected in our setting. Children feel more secure and confident, which consequently enables them to benefit further from the educational opportunities given to them.

Provision

We ensure that our EYFS provision fully meets the educational programmes in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and is underpinned by the theory of child development. The indoor and outdoor environments are all of equal importance in supporting children’s learning, well-being and development. Children learn and develop best in caring, supportive environments which respond to pupils’ individual needs enabling them to focus on their play, building on past and present knowledge.