Intent
At St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, our Early Years Foundation Stage provides a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive start to every child’s education. We welcome children from the age of two through to the end of Reception and recognise that the early years are fundamental in shaping children’s future learning, wellbeing and development. Our curriculum has been carefully designed to meet the needs of our school community, ensuring every child, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
We recognise that children begin school with a wide range of experiences and levels of development. Therefore, our curriculum places a strong emphasis on Communication and Language and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, recognising these as the foundations upon which all future learning is built. We strive to develop confident communicators, resilient learners and independent thinkers who are equipped with the knowledge, vocabulary and attitudes needed to succeed.
Through high-quality interactions, meaningful play and carefully planned learning experiences, we nurture children’s curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Staff have high expectations for every child and create an environment where children feel safe, valued and inspired to explore, question and persevere. As children move into Reception, we build upon these secure foundations with an increasing focus on early reading, phonics, writing and mathematics so that every child is fully prepared for Key Stage One.
Implementation
Our curriculum is ambitious, well sequenced and carefully planned from our Two-Year-Old Provision through Nursery and into Reception. Learning builds progressively over time, ensuring children develop secure knowledge, skills and understanding across all seven areas of learning while revisiting and strengthening previous learning.
High-quality teaching lies at the heart of our practice. Staff use ongoing assessment, observations and professional knowledge to identify children’s next steps and adapt learning to meet individual needs. This responsive approach ensures every child is appropriately supported and challenged.
Communication and Language underpin everything we do. Children are immersed in a language-rich environment where adults model ambitious vocabulary, engage children in meaningful conversations and encourage them to explain, question and reason. Daily opportunities for storytelling, singing, rhymes and high-quality texts broaden children’s vocabulary and develop a love of language from the very beginning. Developing a love of reading is a key priority throughout the Early Years. Children enjoy daily story sessions, access a wide range of carefully chosen books and participate in engaging literacy experiences that inspire imagination and curiosity. Early reading is taught through the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, delivered with fidelity by highly trained staff. Regular assessment ensures children receive the support or challenge needed to become accurate, fluent and confident readers.
Our mathematics curriculum develops conceptual understanding through practical experiences, mathematical discussion and exploration. Children are encouraged to notice patterns, solve problems, reason and make connections using carefully planned resources and real-life contexts. Mathematical learning is embedded within continuous provision so that children can revisit concepts independently and apply their understanding through play.
Our indoor and outdoor learning environments are carefully designed to promote curiosity, independence and sustained learning. Rich continuous provision enables children to revisit learning, practise new skills and apply their understanding across different contexts. Outdoor learning plays an important role in developing physical skills, collaboration, creativity and an understanding of the world.
Positive relationships, consistent routines and high expectations ensure children feel secure and ready to learn. We place great importance on supporting children’s wellbeing, helping them to manage emotions, build positive relationships and develop respect for themselves and others. Our Catholic ethos and school values are woven throughout daily life, encouraging children to become kind, compassionate and responsible members of the school community.
Parents and carers are valued partners in their child’s education. Through workshops, reading sessions, stay-and-play opportunities and regular communication, families are actively involved in supporting learning at home. This strong partnership helps children make the best possible progress.
We are committed to ensuring every child succeeds. Children with SEND, those learning English as an Additional Language and disadvantaged pupils receive carefully planned support that enables them to fully access the curriculum alongside their peers. Early identification and targeted intervention ensure that children receive the support they need to achieve their potential.
Impact
Children leave our Early Years Foundation Stage as happy, confident and resilient learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They make strong progress from their individual starting points and develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for lifelong learning.
By the end of Reception, children communicate confidently using an increasingly rich vocabulary, demonstrate secure early mathematical understanding and develop the knowledge and skills required to become successful readers through their secure understanding of phonics. They enjoy books, ask thoughtful questions and apply their learning confidently in a range of contexts.
Children demonstrate the Characteristics of Effective Learning by showing curiosity, resilience, independence and perseverance. They collaborate effectively, solve problems creatively and take pride in their achievements. They understand how to manage their emotions, build positive relationships and contribute positively to the wider school community.
Ultimately, our Early Years curriculum equips children not only with the academic foundations for future success but also with the confidence, curiosity, compassion and love of learning that will support them throughout their education and beyond.
If you would like further information about our EYFS Curriculum Offer, please contact Helen Jones (EYFS Lead):
Tel: 0151 228 4137
Email your enquiry to: cuthberts-ao@st-cuthberts.liverpool.sch.uk