EYFS

Please click on the link below to view a virtual tour of the Reception classroom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC6xjorQ5e4

At Redcastle family school we ensure that the EYFS curriculum offered is inclusive and comprises of rich learning experiences that support children’s development, improves their communication skills and increase their vocabulary. By providing rich learning experiences and a well-balanced curriculum not only enhances children’s learning and development but also helps them to develop independence, resilience, problem solving and critical thinking skills which are essential as they transition out of early years.

In Nursery and Reception children learn and develop through a balance of child-initiated, adult led and free flow play. Staff support children’s learning and development by planning a range of Literacy and Numeracy activities, which are delivered through whole class, one-to-one and small group sessions.

We have adopted the new Early Years curriculum. To find more information please click on the links below:

Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage

Development matters

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The EYFS Framework explains how and what your child will be learning to support their healthy development.

Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development.

Children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first. These are:

• Communication and language;

• Physical development; and

• Personal, social and emotional development.

These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning.

As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas. These are:

• Literacy;

• Mathematics;

• Understanding the world; and

• Expressive arts and design.

These 7 areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities. The professionals teaching and supporting your child will make sure that the activities are suited to your child’s unique needs. This is a little bit like a curriculum in primary and secondary schools, but it's suitable for very young children, and it's designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow your child's unique needs and interests.

Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.

When your child is 5:

At the end of the EYFS – in the summer term of the reception year in school – teachers complete an assessment which is known as the EYFS Profile. This assessment is carried out by the reception teacher and is based on what they, and other staff caring for your child, have observed over a period of time.

All of the information collected is used to judge how your child is doing in the 7 areas of learning and development. Finding out at this stage how your child is doing will mean that the teacher your child has in their next school year – year 1 – will know what your child really enjoys doing and does well, as well as helping them decide if your child needs a bit of extra support, what that support should be and if they are already getting it.

The school will give you a report of your child’s progress, including information from his or her EYFS Profile.

Tapestry
Tapestry is an online learning journey for children in Reception.

It enables parents to view work from school and find out how their child is doing. It also enables parents to share pictures, videos with school in order to inform our planning and assessments of children.

All the information is held securely. To access Tapestry, you will need to complete the registration and terms & conditions form. This will be given at the start of the school year. Then an email will then be sent to you with the login details

Files to Download

REDCASTLE FAMILY SCHOOL
St Martins Way,
Thetford,
Norfolk IP24 3PU
Mr James Julian, Headteacher
Mrs Emma Denty, Deputy Head/SENDCO/Safeguarding