EYFS Curriculum

EYFS Curriculum statement

The Foundation Stage emphasises that children learn most effectively through planned and purposeful play. This learning takes place both indoors and outdoors. During play, children learn to collaborate and cooperate with peers, to share, to talk and to negotiate with one another. Learning also takes place in adult-directed sessions which include whole class and small group teaching.

Language acquisition is at the heart of all we do. Staff model language and hold meaningful conversations with individuals and groups of children. Staff introduce children to new vocabulary through effective communication which may be adding information without necessarily asking questions.

Our ‘Learning Adventures’ are built around a set of core texts which have been carefully chosen in order to support the children’s language development. This allows the children to explore key topics in detail, whilst also providing them with the opportunity to use and apply the knowledge and vocabulary they have been learning during their play.

We arrange visits to a variety of venues, for example, Ash End House Farm, the Sea Life Centre and Birmingham Hippodrome. We also invite a range of visitors into school including the mobile planetarium, dental nurse, fire officers, police, musicians ​and artists. These memorable experiences contribute to the children’s learning across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

Reception

At Starbank School, we have two Reception classes on each of our three sites. Each Reception class has up to 30 children who are taught by a qualified teacher and a teaching assistant. Our aim throughout the Reception year is to support the children to become confident, independent learners who welcome challenge and are eager to learn. We also ensure our children are equipped with the essential reading, writing and maths skills so that they are well-prepared for learning in Key Stage 1.

  • Autumn 1 – My World, Our World
  • Autumn 2 – Let’s Celebrate
  • Spring 1 – Our Frozen World
  • Spring 2 – Paws and Claws
  • Summer 1 – In a Land Far, Far Away
  • Summer 2 – Explorers: Land and Sea.
Reception progression statement

When the children join Reception they arrive with various levels of prior knowledge and experience. Our aim is to ensure that all children finish Reception meeting the national expectations of a Good Level of Development.  This is achieved through a carefully planned curriculum and high-quality interactions with skilled staff, ensuring all children make accelerated progress. Our curriculum is planned to ensure we build on prior knowledge and the level of challenge offered increases throughout the school year.

At Starbank School we understand and respect that all children learn at different rates, however, we strive to ensure all children are supported to reach their full potential so that they are fully prepared for the next stage of their education.

Nursery

At Starbank School, we have Nursery provision for 3-4 year olds at our Starbank Road and Bierton Road sites. Each Nursery is led by a qualified teacher who is supported by a team of teaching assistants who each take responsibility for a key group of children.

Our aim is to support all children to become happy, confident, articulate, inquisitive and independent learners.

Nursery CURRICULUM MAP 

  • Autumn 1 – This is Me!
  • Autumn 2 – Down in the Jungle
  • Spring 1 – Once Upon a Time
  • Spring 2 – Are We There Yet?
  • Summer 1 – It’s a Farmer’s Life
  • Summer 2 – How Does Your Garden Grow?
nURSERY PROGRESSION STATEMENT

Coming to our Nursery for many of our children, is the first time they will be mixing with children and adults outside of their family. We aim to make this experience as positive as possible by ensuring a smooth transition from home to school life. The focus of the Nursery year is to welcome the children to the world of education. We develop their sense of self and their ability to communicate effectively with others and form positive relationships. By the end of the Nursery year, we strive to ensure all children are working at Age Related Expectations to ensure they are ready to start Reception as confident and independent learners.

    Subject Areas

    Further information can be found on our subject-specific pages: