Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at St Mary’s CE Primary School
At St Mary’s, our Early Years Foundation Stage provides a nurturing, joyful and secure start to school life. Rooted in our Christian vision ‘In the light of Christ, we will shine together’, we believe that every child is a unique individual, created with purpose and full of potential. We place strong emphasis on relationships, wellbeing and belonging, knowing that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and confident. Our EYFS environment is calm, welcoming and carefully designed to support curiosity, independence and play.
Our EYFS Community
We serve a diverse school community and welcome children with a wide range of starting points, experiences and needs. Some children join us with well-developed communication and early learning skills, while others require additional support with speech and language, social development, emotional regulation or routines. We work closely with families from the very start, offering home visits, stay-and-play sessions and transition support, ensuring that children settle quickly and feel secure in school.
Learning Through Play, Exploration and Relationships
Our EYFS curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and child-centred, carefully sequenced to build strong foundations for future learning. Learning is rooted in play, exploration and high-quality adult interaction. We prioritise communication and language development, early reading and phonics, personal, social and emotional development, and physical development through active and outdoor learning. Adults model language, curiosity and kindness, supporting children to develop confidence, resilience and a love of learning.
Wellbeing, Inclusion and Early Support
Strong pastoral care underpins EYFS provision. We identify needs early and respond with care and expertise, working closely with families, the SENDCo and external professionals where appropriate. Support includes early identification of SEND and developmental needs, targeted interventions and personalised support, flexible transition arrangements where needed, and nurture-based approaches to behaviour and self-regulation. This ensures that no child is left behind and all children are supported to flourish.
Spiritual Development and Values
Spiritual development is gently woven through everyday EYFS life. Children are encouraged to notice beauty, ask questions, show kindness and reflect on feelings and experiences.
Through storytelling, shared reflection and the school’s Little Bird work, children explore themes of love, joy, wisdom and hope, developing empathy and a strong sense of belonging.
Preparing for the Next Stage
By the end of Reception, children leave EYFS as confident, curious and resilient learners, well prepared for the transition into Key Stage 1. They develop independence, positive attitudes to learning and strong relationships with adults and peers. Our EYFS provision lays the foundations not only for academic success, but for children to shine as individuals — secure in themselves and excited about learning.