Early Years Foundation Stage

At Whitehill Primary School and Nursery we recognise the importance of nurture and relevant and engaging educational experience in the early years. By ensuring that our Early Years children have the best of starts, we set strong foundations for all further learning and as a result, increase life chances in adulthood.

“From birth to age 5, a child’s brain develops more than at any other time in life. And early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life.“ – First Things First

“All children deserve the care and support they need to have the best start in life. Children learn and develop at a faster rate from birth to five years old than at any other time in their lives, so their experiences in early years have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe, and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high-quality early learning provide the foundation children need to fulfil their potential.“ – Statutory Framework for EYFS, Dfe, 2024

At Whitehill Primary School and Nursery, our Early Years provision is driven by the belief that children learn and develop more rapidly from birth to five than at any other stage. We are committed to providing a secure, nurturing, and highly engaging educational experience that forms the essential foundations for future learning and increases life chances in adulthood. Our curriculum intent is grounded in ensuring children learn by doing; developing a love of learning, feeling safe, valued and excited by new opportunities. We focus strongly on the three Prime Areas of the EYFS alongside the four Specific Areas so that every child can acquire the knowledge, skills and personal confidence needed to make good progress through school and life. Children are recognised as unique individuals, and their interests, experiences and stage of development shape a highly personalised approach from the outset.

Learning at Whitehill is delivered through a balance of child-initiated exploration and purposeful, teacher-led activities that build on prior learning and current interests. The indoor and outdoor environments are intentionally designed to be open-ended, stimulating and well-organised, enabling children to investigate, create and problem-solve independently while being supported by warm and positive adult interaction. Staff observe and respond thoughtfully, planning challenging and enjoyable experiences that reflect children’s interests and developmental needs. As children progress through the EYFS, the balance gradually shifts towards more structured, adult-directed learning in preparation for Year 1. Literacy, communication and language begin with strong foundations in play, early speaking and listening, moving into daily phonics in Reception. Assessment is continuous and purposeful, forming future planning and shared with parents regularly as part of a strong home–school partnership.

Through a carefully structured early years experience, children leave the EYFS confident, curious and ready for the next stage of their school journey. The combination of quality care, high expectations and responsive teaching ensures that every child makes strong progress, no child is left behind and differences are valued and celebrated. A focus on personal, social and emotional development builds resilience and independence, while communication, phonics and physical development create strong foundations for academic learning. By the end of the EYFS, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals using observations, ongoing assessment and profile data, providing a clear picture of achievement and readiness for Key Stage 1.