Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage

Reception – Where the Excitement Begins!

Reception is where your child’s school journey starts—and we make sure it begins with fun, curiosity, and excitement!

Our Foundation Stage is built around the children’s interests, with lots of hands-on, practical activities that help them become confident, independent learners. We use a creative, themed approach to lessons and encourage children to follow their own ideas and explore.

Children learn mainly through play and real-life experiences. Play is a big part of our day, helping children to build friendships, share their thoughts, try new things, and learn through doing.

We provide a mix of free play, guided activities, and small challenges. Children can move around their environment freely, but they also take part in some adult-led tasks each week to help them grow and learn more.

We keep track of each child’s progress through daily observations and interactions. All of this is collected in a personal learning journey—a special record of your child’s achievements, interests, and next steps, filled with notes and photos.

The EYFS Curriculum at Fulwood and Cadley

In Reception, children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, which helps them grow and learn in a way that suits their individual needs. The EYFS is built around four main ideas:

• Every child is unique – All children are capable, confident, and constantly learning in their own way.

• Positive relationships matter – Children become strong and independent when they feel safe, supported, and connected to others.

• The environment supports learning – A safe, engaging space and responsive adults help children learn through play and experiences.

• Children learn and develop at different rates – The EYFS supports all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Areas of Learning

The EYFS curriculum is divided into seven key areas:

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development

2. Communication and Language

3. Physical Development

4. Literacy

5. Mathematics

6. Understanding the World

7. Expressive Arts and Design

How Children Learn

Children also develop through the Characteristics of Effective Learning:

• Playing and exploring

• Active learning

• Creating and thinking critically

At Fulwood and Cadley, we bring all of this together into a clear, thoughtful curriculum that helps children grow in every way. Our aim is to create a warm, happy, and caring environment where children feel confident to try new things, reach their goals, and become independent, kind, and curious learners.