Growing, Learning and Flourishing Together

At Silsoe VC Lower School, we believe every child deserves the very best start to their education. Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides a happy, nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued and confident to explore, discover and learn.

Our Christian vision is: “For all to flourish as confident, resilient and kind individuals who encourage one another and grow together in God’s love.” (Ephesians 3:17) Together We Grow.

Every child is unique. Through positive relationships, high expectations and carefully planned learning, we help children develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and independence to flourish. Our curriculum combines purposeful play, exploration, practical experiences and high-quality adult-led teaching.

Curriculum Intent – What Do We Want Our Children to Learn and Become?

Our EYFS curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully designed to provide strong foundations for future learning. We follow the statutory EYFS framework across all seven areas of learning.

• Develop happy, confident and resilient learners who feel secure and ready for challenges.
• Promote communication, language and vocabulary so children can listen, express ideas and communicate confidently.
• Build strong foundations in early literacy and mathematics.
• Encourage curiosity, creativity, independence, exploration and investigation.
• Develop friendships, emotional understanding, kindness and a sense of belonging.
• Support physical development, wellbeing and healthy habits.
• Celebrate individuality and diversity, ensuring every child is included and supported.
• Nurture spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through wonder, reflection and care.
• Develop the characteristics of effective learning: exploring, persevering, thinking creatively and reflecting.
• Prepare children for their next stage of education.

We want every child to develop the confidence to say: “I can try, I can learn and I can grow.”

Curriculum Implementation – How Do We Bring Our Curriculum to Life?

A Carefully Planned and Progressive Curriculum

Our Reception curriculum follows the statutory EYFS framework. The three prime areas are Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; and Physical Development. The four specific areas are Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts and Design. These interconnected areas support children’s overall development. Learning builds on children’s prior experiences, knowledge and skills.

Learning Through Play, Exploration and Teaching

Children learn through purposeful play, practical experiences, exploration, direct teaching and positive interactions. We balance carefully planned adult-led teaching, child-initiated play, small-group learning, practical investigation and opportunities to revisit and apply knowledge. Adults observe, listen, question, model and extend learning.

Our approach reflects the characteristics of effective teaching and learning: Playing and Exploring (investigating and trying new things); Active Learning (concentrating and persevering); and Creating and Thinking Critically (developing ideas, making connections and solving problems).

Communication, Language and Early Reading

Communication and language are central to daily learning. Stories, songs, rhymes, conversation and purposeful play help children develop vocabulary, listening and speaking. Children enjoy high-quality books and learn to love reading. Systematic phonics through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised builds foundations for early reading and spelling. We encourage families to share books and read together at home.

Early Mathematics

Carefully planned teaching and practical experiences develop number sense, numerical patterns, shape, space and measure. Children use resources, games and meaningful activities to notice patterns, explain thinking and solve problems.

An Enabling Indoor and Outdoor Environment

Our welcoming classrooms and outdoor areas are carefully organised to promote independence, curiosity and exploration. Children learn indoors and outdoors regularly. Our covered outdoor area enables investigation, creativity, collaboration and physical development throughout the year, helping children connect with nature and their surroundings.

Inclusion and Adaptive Teaching

Every child is valued. Staff use observations, assessment and their knowledge of individual children to identify strengths, interests and barriers to learning. Teaching, interactions and resources are adapted where appropriate, while maintaining ambitious expectations. We work closely with families, the SENCO and other professionals to secure timely support.

Positive Relationships, Kindness and Belonging

Our Christian vision and values of kindness, confidence and resilience are embedded in daily Reception life. Through secure relationships, consistent routines and encouragement, children learn to manage emotions, build friendships, cooperate, respect others and make positive choices. We want everyone to know they belong.

Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers

Parents and carers are children’s first educators. Information from families, pre-schools and nurseries helps us understand starting points and needs. We maintain communication through consultations, opportunities to share learning, reading diaries, workshops and school events, building trusting partnerships that support progress and wellbeing.

Assessment and Responsive Teaching

Assessment is integral to learning. Staff use observations, discussions, interactions and professional judgement to understand what children know, remember and can do, inform planning and address gaps. The statutory Reception Baseline Assessment takes place at the start of Reception and children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals at the end of EYFS. Assessment supports rather than interrupts teaching, play and interaction.

Curriculum Impact – What Difference Does Our EYFS Curriculum Make?

We look for impact in children’s achievements, personal development and growing confidence. By the end of Reception, we want children to:

• Feel happy, confident, secure and part of our school community.
• Communicate ideas, ask questions and use increasingly rich vocabulary.
• Have secure foundations in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Show curiosity, enthusiasm, creativity and enjoyment in learning.
• Persevere with challenges and grow in resilience and independence.
• Build positive relationships, showing kindness, empathy and respect.
• Develop physical confidence and everyday independence.
• Solve problems, make connections and apply knowledge.
• Show wonder and care for the world, environment and community.
• Move into Year 1 with the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to succeed.

We evaluate our curriculum through children’s learning and development, assessment, engagement, independence and conversations with children and families. Our ambition is for every child to make strong progress from their starting points and develop a lasting love of learning.

A Positive Transition into Year 1

EYFS and Key Stage 1 staff work closely to ensure continuity in learning, relationships and expectations. Information about achievements, strengths and needs is shared, and Year 1 teaching builds appropriately on EYFS experiences. Children should move into Year 1 feeling confident, secure and ready to continue learning.

Together We Grow.

Find Out More

• Our Curriculum Rationale —

  Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

  Growing, Learning and Flourishing Together

  At Silsoe VC Lower School, we believe every child deserves the very best start to their education. Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides a happy, nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued and confident to explore, discover and learn.

  Our Christian vision is: “For all to flourish as confident, resilient and kind individuals who encourage one another and grow together in God’s love.” (Ephesians 3:17) Together We Grow.

  Every child is unique. Through positive relationships, high expectations and carefully planned learning, we help children develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and independence to flourish. Our curriculum combines purposeful play, exploration, practical experiences and high-quality adult-led teaching.

  Curriculum Intent – What Do We Want Our Children to Learn and Become?

  Our EYFS curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully designed to provide strong foundations for future learning. We follow the statutory EYFS framework across all seven areas of learning.

  • Develop happy, confident and resilient learners who feel secure and ready for challenges.
  • Promote communication, language and vocabulary so children can listen, express ideas and communicate confidently.
  • Build strong foundations in early literacy and mathematics.
  • Encourage curiosity, creativity, independence, exploration and investigation.
  • Develop friendships, emotional understanding, kindness and a sense of belonging.
  • Support physical development, wellbeing and healthy habits.
  • Celebrate individuality and diversity, ensuring every child is included and supported.
  • Nurture spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through wonder, reflection and care.
  • Develop the characteristics of effective learning: exploring, persevering, thinking creatively and reflecting.
  • Prepare children for their next stage of education.

  We want every child to develop the confidence to say: “I can try, I can learn and I can grow.”

  Curriculum Implementation – How Do We Bring Our Curriculum to Life?

  A Carefully Planned and Progressive Curriculum

  Our Reception curriculum follows the statutory EYFS framework. The three prime areas are Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; and Physical Development. The four specific areas are Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts and Design. These interconnected areas support children’s overall development. Learning builds on children’s prior experiences, knowledge and skills.

  Learning Through Play, Exploration and Teaching

  Children learn through purposeful play, practical experiences, exploration, direct teaching and positive interactions. We balance carefully planned adult-led teaching, child-initiated play, small-group learning, practical investigation and opportunities to revisit and apply knowledge. Adults observe, listen, question, model and extend learning.

  Our approach reflects the characteristics of effective teaching and learning: Playing and Exploring (investigating and trying new things); Active Learning (concentrating and persevering); and Creating and Thinking Critically (developing ideas, making connections and solving problems).

  Communication, Language and Early Reading

  Communication and language are central to daily learning. Stories, songs, rhymes, conversation and purposeful play help children develop vocabulary, listening and speaking. Children enjoy high-quality books and learn to love reading. Systematic phonics through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised builds foundations for early reading and spelling. We encourage families to share books and read together at home.

  Early Mathematics

  Carefully planned teaching and practical experiences develop number sense, numerical patterns, shape, space and measure. Children use resources, games and meaningful activities to notice patterns, explain thinking and solve problems.

  An Enabling Indoor and Outdoor Environment

  Our welcoming classrooms and outdoor areas are carefully organised to promote independence, curiosity and exploration. Children learn indoors and outdoors regularly. Our covered outdoor area enables investigation, creativity, collaboration and physical development throughout the year, helping children connect with nature and their surroundings.

  Inclusion and Adaptive Teaching

  Every child is valued. Staff use observations, assessment and their knowledge of individual children to identify strengths, interests and barriers to learning. Teaching, interactions and resources are adapted where appropriate, while maintaining ambitious expectations. We work closely with families, the SENCO and other professionals to secure timely support.

  Positive Relationships, Kindness and Belonging

  Our Christian vision and values of kindness, confidence and resilience are embedded in daily Reception life. Through secure relationships, consistent routines and encouragement, children learn to manage emotions, build friendships, cooperate, respect others and make positive choices. We want everyone to know they belong.

  Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers

  Parents and carers are children’s first educators. Information from families, pre-schools and nurseries helps us understand starting points and needs. We maintain communication through consultations, opportunities to share learning, reading diaries, workshops and school events, building trusting partnerships that support progress and wellbeing.

  Assessment and Responsive Teaching

  Assessment is integral to learning. Staff use observations, discussions, interactions and professional judgement to understand what children know, remember and can do, inform planning and address gaps. The statutory Reception Baseline Assessment takes place at the start of Reception and children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals at the end of EYFS. Assessment supports rather than interrupts teaching, play and interaction.

  Curriculum Impact – What Difference Does Our EYFS Curriculum Make?

  We look for impact in children’s achievements, personal development and growing confidence. By the end of Reception, we want children to:

  • Feel happy, confident, secure and part of our school community.
  • Communicate ideas, ask questions and use increasingly rich vocabulary.
  • Have secure foundations in reading, writing and mathematics.
  • Show curiosity, enthusiasm, creativity and enjoyment in learning.
  • Persevere with challenges and grow in resilience and independence.
  • Build positive relationships, showing kindness, empathy and respect.
  • Develop physical confidence and everyday independence.
  • Solve problems, make connections and apply knowledge.
  • Show wonder and care for the world, environment and community.
  • Move into Year 1 with the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to succeed.

  We evaluate our curriculum through children’s learning and development, assessment, engagement, independence and conversations with children and families. Our ambition is for every child to make strong progress from their starting points and develop a lasting love of learning.

  A Positive Transition into Year 1

  EYFS and Key Stage 1 staff work closely to ensure continuity in learning, relationships and expectations. Information about achievements, strengths and needs is shared, and Year 1 teaching builds appropriately on EYFS experiences. Children should move into Year 1 feeling confident, secure and ready to continue learning.

  Together We Grow.

  Find Out More

• Our Curriculum Rationale — https://www.silsoeschool.co.uk/curriculum/our-curriculum-rationale
• Early Years Foundation Stage — https://www.silsoeschool.co.uk/curriculum/early-years-foundation-stage-eyfs
• Forest School — https://www.silsoeschool.co.uk/curriculum/forest-school