Welcome to our EYFS! 

At All Saints, our Early Years Foundation Stage class is known as Acorn Class. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, a play-based approach which recognises every child as a unique individual who is constantly learning and developing. Through carefully planned experiences tailored to children’s interests, we nurture a love of learning while ensuring that all the essential skills for future learning are developed. 

We are proud to be part of a caring and supportive school where EYFS is fully integrated into whole-school life. From day one, each child is paired with a Year 6 buddy to support a smooth and positive transition into school. Our children also regularly join the wider school community for collective worship and whole-school events, helping them to develop a strong sense of belonging from the very start. 

 

The EYFS curriculum is built around seven areas of learning: three prime areas and four specific areas, which support and strengthen children’s development across the curriculum. At All Saints, we believe these areas work together to nurture confident, independent learners who develop a love of learning and believe in their own ability to achieve. 

EYFS Curriculum government guidance  

Development Matters - GOV.UK 

Literacy (Reading and Writing)  

Each day, children take part in an adult-led literacy session where they explore a range of high-quality texts and complete activities that develop comprehension and understanding of story structure. This includes listening to others read, as well as beginning to read and write independently. 

Children have access to a wide range of reading materials, including books and poems, to ignite their interest and foster a love of reading. 

We also invite children to take part in Drawing Club, an engaging literacy approach which encourages mark-making with joy and creativity at a pace tailored to each child. This ensures early reading and writing remain exciting and meaningful. 

Helping your child with literacy 

Early years: resources and tools for early language development and parental engagement | National Literacy Trust 

Maths 

We prioritise developing children’s confidence and fluency with numbers up to 10, ensuring a secure understanding of number patterns. Throughout the year, children explore a range of mathematical concepts designed to develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills. 

The curriculum provides many opportunities to develop spatial reasoning, including shape, space and measure. Children have access to a wide variety of resources and manipulatives, helping them to understand maths in a practical, meaningful and real-life contexts.

Helping your child with maths  

Supporting parents and families | National Numeracy 

  

 

Partnership 

We are proud of our strong team ethos, where children, parents, carers and staff work together in partnership to ensure every child reaches their full potential while feeling safe, cared for and valued. 

During this vital stage, we work together to lay the foundations for children to become resilient, capable, confident and self-assured learners, as well as ready, respectful and safe members of our school community. 

We keep parents informed through: 

• Monthly newsletters 

• Parent evenings 

• Workshops and assemblies 

• School events and performances 

Our door is always open, and we actively encourage communication with families—we all share the same goal of supporting your child’s development. 

A child’s journey into school begins at home, where confidence, independence and a love of learning first develop. We work closely with families to support every child as they prepare for Reception. If you have any questions or concerns, we are always here to help. 

Starting-Reception.pdf 

Tapestry   

Tapestry is an online learning journal that enables staff to record children’s learning through photos, videos and observations. Parents can securely access this platform to celebrate their child’s achievements at home. 

Families can also add their own posts, allowing us to share and celebrate learning both in and out of school—supporting each child’s progress throughout the Early Years. 

                                                                           

Outdoor and Physical Learning   

Our forest area, complete with a yurt and pond, provides a rich and inspiring environment for learning. We place great value on both indoor and outdoor spaces, using them throughout the year in all weather conditions. 

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, with Montacute Parklands on our doorstep, we enhance learning through regular welly walks where children explore, observe and connect with the natural world. 

Outdoor provision is a key extension of our classroom, offering daily opportunities for active, physical learning. Through outdoor play, children develop coordination, control and movement, while also learning to cooperate, take turns and make healthy choices. 

Physical development is further supported through weekly PE lessons, helping children build confidence, resilience and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. 

                                      

Home Learning and Phonics 

We follow the Read Write Inc. phonics scheme, with home reading books carefully matched to the sounds your child is learning. These fully decodable books help children practise their skills, build confidence and develop fluency. 

We encourage children to read with an adult at home at least three times a week. We also use Oxford Owl to provide access to e-books, supporting reading alongside physical books. 

Children also have access to our school library, where they can borrow books to develop a love of reading for pleasure. 

                                                                 

                                                                         What makes EYFS at All Saints unique? 

At All Saints, our EYFS provision is rooted in strong relationships, high expectations and a deep understanding of how young children learn best. What makes us unique is the way we combine nurturing care with high-quality teaching to ensure every child thrives. 

• A strong sense of belonging from day one 
  Each child is paired with a Year 6 buddy, helping them feel safe, supported and part of our school community from the very start. 

• A rich and inspiring outdoor environment 
  Our forest area, complete with a yurt and pond, alongside regular welly walks in the local countryside, provides unique opportunities for exploration, creativity and hands-on learning. 

• Learning through play with purpose 
  We carefully plan engaging, meaningful experiences based on children’s interests, ensuring learning is both enjoyable and purposeful. 

• A focus on communication and literacy 
  Through high-quality texts, Drawing Club and structured phonics teaching, we develop confident readers and writers from an early stage. 

• A commitment to the whole child 
  We prioritise children’s wellbeing, confidence and independence, helping them to become resilient, capable learners. 

• Strong partnerships with families 
  We value the role of parents and carers as partners in learning, using tools like Tapestry and maintaining open communication to celebrate achievements together. 

• Integrated into whole-school life 
  EYFS children are fully involved in collective worship, events and school experiences, helping them feel part of something bigger. 

Thank you for taking the time to explore our EYFS offer at All Saints, if you require further information or would like to take a tour please contact the school office. 

                                

 

Jesus says, “All things are possible if you believe”  Mark 9:23