Arkholme Foundation Stage Unit approach to the EYFS
At Arkholme Church of England Primary
school we believe every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. We look to ensure children feel safe, and we aim to promote children’s welfare and strive to safeguard children at all times. We strive to meet the needs of each individual child and we aim to enable the child
- To be valued as an individual and develop self-confidence.
- To develop a partnership with home, community and setting.
- To experience equality of opportunity in a caring and safe environment.
- To develop enquiring minds, encouraging independent thought.
- To be given opportunities to apply themselves to tasks which are important and relevant to them.
- To have access to a wide variety of appropriate resources and equipment both indoors and outdoors.
- To develop the ability to make reasoned choices.
- To appreciate others and care for them.
- To acquire the skills to communicate their needs, feelings and experiences.
- To develop knowledge, skills, concepts and attitudes which relate to all areas of the curriculum and in life.
- To acquire positive attitudes, values and beliefs and develop an understanding of and respect for other people’s cultures and beliefs.
- To experience personal achievement and appreciate the achievements of others.
- To develop a responsibility for self and others.
- To develop independence and self-help skills.
- TO ENJOY THE PROCESS OF LEARNING.
These aims are underpinned by the EYFS four key themes – Unique child, enabling environments, learning and development, positive relationships.
In line with the principles of the EYFS (unique child, positive relationships, enabling environments, learning and development) our practice starts with the child and their interests, abilities and skills rather than the curriculum. We offer a play based curriculum inside and outside the classroom which is carefully organised and planned for and includes opportunities for children to learn through a wide range of opportunities and experiences. Play is fundamental to children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others.
Our learning environment enables children to demonstrate the characteristics of effective 
learning because they are able to access the provision independently and challenges are set for children within the areas by either the enhanced resources or by an adult who is being a playful partner and promoting the children’s thinking and learning. Adults support the children in playing and exploring, active learning, and developing creativity and thinking critically by observing the children and acting as a playful partner to encourage the children to problem solve and develop sustained shared thinking. The curriculum at Arkholme has been developed in line with the EYFS requirements for long, medium and short term planning. We provide lots of opportunities for child led play and adults are used to support play in a way that promotes the characteristics of effective learning.
Weekly Routines:
P.E.
P.E. is twice a week; all children change in to their P.E. kits. Once per week we have a forest school session.
Girls will need a pair of socks if they wear tights. Name tapes need to be in every piece of clothing.
Reading
Our home reading books are matched to the phonics we are learning in class, allowing the opportunity to consolidate this learning at home. We follow the Red Rose Phonics Scheme and have carefully matched our reading books to match this scheme.
The children will also bring home the sounds and tricky words that they have learnt each week. You can look at these together and try to blend and segment words using these sounds. In the Autumn term we invite parents/carers to a phonics information evening to explain our teaching of phonics.
The Phonic Alphabet (YouTube Link)
Outdoor Activities
We spend a significant amount of time in our outdoor area. Please make sure you child always has a coat suitable for the weather, we have a supply of waterproof trousers and wellies. Also in the warm weather we ask parents to make sure your child comes to school wearing sun cream and a hat.