EYFS (Reception & Nursery)

Our EYFS Curriculum Vision

At Grafton Primary School, we recognise that the Early Years Foundation Stage is a crucial period in children's development and lays the foundations for future learning and success. As with the rest of our curriculum, children and their learning are at the heart of everything we do.

Our EYFS curriculum reflects our vision, "Together we learn. Together we achieve," and is underpinned by our Rights Respecting ethos. We believe every child is a unique individual with their own strengths, experiences and starting points. Through positive relationships, high expectations and an enabling environment, we support children to become confident, independent and resilient learners.

We are committed to providing a rich and engaging curriculum that develops children's curiosity, broadens their experiences and nurtures a lifelong love of learning. Through play, exploration and meaningful experiences, children begin to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

EYFS Curriculum Intent

Our EYFS curriculum is designed around the needs of our children and takes account of their varied backgrounds, experiences and interests. We recognise that children learn and develop at different rates and provide a curriculum that is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to individual needs.

Learning is planned through the seven areas of learning and development within the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The three Prime Areas – Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development – provide the foundations for all future learning. Alongside these, children develop knowledge and skills within the Specific Areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

As part of our REAL Curriculum, we ensure that learning in EYFS is:

• Relevant – Learning builds upon children's experiences, interests and cultural backgrounds, helping them to understand themselves and the world around them.
• Research-based – Our practice is informed by current understanding of how young children learn best, recognising the importance of play, language development and high-quality interactions.
• Reflective – We continually assess children's development and adapt our provision to ensure that all children are supported and challenged appropriately.
• Engaging – Through carefully planned experiences, high-quality texts, continuous provision and purposeful play, children develop curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
• Enquiry-led – Children are encouraged to explore, question, investigate and make connections in their learning.
• Aspirational – We have high expectations for every child and provide opportunities for all children to achieve success from their individual starting points.
• Achievement for All – Learning is carefully adapted to ensure that every child can access the curriculum, make progress and develop confidence in their abilities.
• Life-long Learning – We develop the Characteristics of Effective Learning, encouraging children to play and explore, actively engage in learning and think creatively and critically.

EYFS Curriculum Implementation

Learning in EYFS takes place through a balance of child-initiated play, continuous provision and carefully planned adult-led learning. Play is central to our curriculum and provides opportunities for children to explore, practise, apply and extend their learning across all areas of development.

Our indoor and outdoor learning environments are designed to be stimulating and enabling, promoting independence, communication, collaboration and curiosity. Children are encouraged to investigate, take risks, solve problems and develop resilience through meaningful first-hand experiences.

A strong emphasis is placed on communication and language development, recognising that this underpins all future learning. Through stories, conversation, high-quality interactions and a language-rich environment, children develop the vocabulary and confidence needed to communicate effectively.

Strong partnerships with parents and carers are fundamental to our EYFS provision. By working together, we ensure that every child feels safe, valued and supported throughout their early learning journey.

EYFS Curriculum Impact



We measure the impact of our EYFS curriculum through:

• Ongoing assessment and observation of children's learning and development.
• Monitoring progress across the seven areas of learning and development.
• Children's ability to demonstrate the Characteristics of Effective Learning.
• Pupil discussions and interactions which demonstrate growing confidence, independence and understanding.
• Achievement of the Early Learning Goals by the end of Reception.
• Children's readiness, both academically and personally, for the transition into Key Stage 1.

By the end of EYFS, we aim for all children to be confident, curious and resilient learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Children leave Reception with a strong sense of belonging, an understanding of themselves and others, and the foundations needed to continue their learning journey successfully