Curriculum Overview

To enable children to develop the seven areas of learning are followed:

Prime areas of learning:

• Communication and Language (Listening, attention and understanding; and Speaking)
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (Self-regulation, Managing Self and Building Relationships)
• Physical Development (Gross motor skills and fine motor skills)

Specific areas of learning:

• Literacy (Comprehension, Word reading and Writing)
• Maths (Number and Numerical patterns)
• Understanding of the World (Past and present; People, culture and communities; and The natural world)
• Expressive Arts and Design (Creating with materials and Being imaginative and expressive)

Areas within the Reception classroom:

• a writing area containing various writing implements and papers as well as envelopes and examples of good writing
• a book corner containing a range of  fiction, non-fiction, poetry and class-made books
• a maths resource area which allows children to select appropriate items to help them solve practical problems
• a creative area containing resources for a range of art, design, music and technology activities
• a construction area containing resources for developing fine motor skills, social interaction and problem solving
• a small world area which allows children to extend fine motor skills, engage in imaginative play and develop language
• an area for sand, malleable materials (e.g. play dough) and water play, where children can engage in practical investigations
• a role play area which can be developed along themed line to cover several aspects of learning in “real life” scenarios
• a physical development area for developing fine motor skills

Learning environment

The outside area is seen as an extension of the classroom and the above opportunities will be available outside as well as inside.
Through all of our strands we aim to develop the children as they Play and Explore, be an Active Learner and to have Creative and Critical Thinking.

Assessment

The staff are constantly assessing the children in their everyday activities, during play and through more focussed adult-led interactions and sessions. We use observations of the children, photos, the work that they do, feedback from parents and comments made by the children to assess where the pupils are working.  

The EYFS Framework and Development Matters documents are used to inform the curriculum, the enhancements in the provision and next steps for pupils.  Development Matters gives statements for the ages of the children. 

The planning focus for each term and each week is taken from the Reception Curriculum Overview, the agreed focus, the previous week’s findings, the interests of the children and the next steps.

There are 4 key principles that underpin our practice in the Reception Class at Harris:

A Unique Child

We recognise that all children are different. We identify and celebrate their strengths and support their areas for development.

Positive Relationships

Our pupils interact well with each other and with the adults in the school. We encourage parents to be involved with their child’s education.

Enabling Environments

Our indoor and outdoor areas encourage exploration, investigation, and independent learning. Our displays and resources are well maintained and reflect current learning.

Learning and Development

Pupils achieve well and make good progress from their starting points. Learning is playful, practical, and purposeful and builds upon prior attainment. Our children enjoy coming to school.

You will find a copy of the Reception Curriculum Overview attatched below.

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