EYFS at Martock School

EYFS at Martock School

At Martock School, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where children are supported to develop a love of learning from the very start of their educational journey. We recognise that the early years are a crucial time for building strong foundations for future learning, behaviour and wellbeing.

Our EYFS provision is underpinned by the statutory EYFS Framework and is shaped by our school values of being Ready, Respectful and Safe. We work in close partnership with families and professionals to ensure every child feels confident, secure and valued.

Setting Aims

Our aims within EYFS are to:

• Support children to become confident, curious and resilient learners

• Promote independence and positive learning behaviours

• Ensure children feel safe, happy and emotionally secure

• Develop strong communication, language and early literacy skills

• Provide rich learning experiences that build on children’s interests and prior knowledge

We aim for all children to leave Reception well prepared for the transition into Key Stage 1, both academically and socially.

Subject Vision

Intent
Our EYFS curriculum is designed to provide all children with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to achieve the Early Learning Goals. We place a strong emphasis on communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, and early reading and writing. We recognise that children enter EYFS with varied experiences and we carefully plan learning to close gaps and promote equality of opportunity.

Implementation
Learning is delivered through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities, both indoors and outdoors. High-quality interactions, modelling of language, and purposeful play are at the heart of our practice.

• Phonics is taught daily using the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised scheme to ensure a consistent and systematic approach to early reading.

• Continuous provision is carefully planned to reinforce learning and support children in applying new skills independently.

• Staff use ongoing assessment to inform next steps and tailor support where needed.

Impact
Children make strong progress from their individual starting points. They develop confidence, independence and positive attitudes to learning. Outcomes at the end of Reception show that children are well prepared for the expectations of Year 1, particularly in early reading, communication and personal development.

Communication with Stakeholders

We believe strong relationships with parents and carers are essential to children’s success. We communicate regularly through informal conversations, meetings, online learning platforms and written reports. Parents are encouraged to contribute to their child’s learning journey and are supported with guidance on how to help at home, particularly with early reading and phonics.

The Reception Team and Pre-School Team work closely together to ensure continuity and progression. This strong partnership supports smooth transitions, shared understanding of children’s needs, and consistency in expectations and routines.

Meeting Ofsted Expectations

Our EYFS provision meets the requirements of the EYFS statutory framework and reflects Ofsted’s focus on high-quality education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership.

We ensure that:

• Safeguarding is effective and embedded in daily practice

• Staff have strong subject knowledge and engage in ongoing professional development

• Assessment is purposeful and used to inform teaching

• Children demonstrate the characteristics of effective learning

Through reflective practice and continuous improvement, we strive to provide an EYFS setting where every child can thrive and achieve their full potential.