Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

I like playing in the garden and climbing the new climbing frame.

I like the new climbing frame in our garden.

I like the new garden and playing outside.

(Pupil Questionnaire Feedback 2023-2024)

At St. Mary's, we have two classes within the EYFS - Acorn Nursery and Chestnut Reception class. 

Acorn Nursery has it's own bespoke and fully resourced building, welcoming children from 2 years to 4 years.

Chestnut also has a purpose built classroom within our main school building. 

Both classes have their own outside areas, where they continue to enjoy activities linked to each area of the curriculum.  

The EYFS curriculum for both of these classes is based on the EYFS Framework:

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage

Seven areas of learning are taught across both Acorn and Chestnut.  These are:

Three Prime Areas:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Communication and Language

Four Specific Areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

At St. Mary's, we teach the EYFS through six topics across a two year cycle:

 Within both Acorn and Chestnut, children are provided with both independent learning opportunities together with teacher-led activities. 

Through both Acorn and Chestnut, we use Development Matters to guide us in the curriculum content we deliver to children.  

At the end of Reception, children are teacher assessed against the Early Learning Goals:

Early Learning Goals

The results of these assessments are shared with parents in our end of term reports. 

Starting school is a huge step.  Central Bedfordshire Council has also produced a handy '16 ticks' leaflet of things that parents/carers can do with their children to support them to be ready to start school: 

For more information, please see our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) policy by visiting the Policies page.