Early Years Foundation Stage

At Great Kimble Church of England Primary School, our Early Years

Foundation Stage curriculum is rooted in our vision of Big Hearts, Bold Futures. We believe the early years are a vital time in shaping children’s attitudes to learning, relationships and themselves. Our EYFS provision lays strong foundations so that every child feels deeply valued, develops a love of learning and grows in confidence to step boldly into their future.

Our curriculum is child-centred and underpinned by our Christian values of love, ambition, resilience, collaboration and respect. We create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, known and accepted, allowing them to flourish emotionally, socially and academically. Through loving relationships and a strong sense of belonging, children develop big hearts filled with kindness, empathy and respect for others.

Our EYFS Curriculum

Our EYFS curriculum follows the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and is carefully designed to meet the individual needs, interests and starting points of every child.

Learning is ambitious, meaningful and purposeful, ensuring children build the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to succeed.

We place a strong emphasis on high-quality interactions. Skilled adults engage children in sustained shared thinking, model rich vocabulary and ask purposeful questions that deepen understanding, develop problem-solving skills and encourage children to think critically. These interactions are central to our approach and support children to become confident communicators and active learners.

Early Language, Oracy and Communication

Early language development and oracy are at the heart of our EYFS provision. We know that strong communication skills are key to future success, and we prioritise talk in every aspect of learning.

Children are encouraged to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings through conversation, storytelling, role play and discussion.

Adults model language carefully, introduce ambitious vocabulary and support children to listen attentively, respond thoughtfully and communicate with confidence.

Learning Through Play and Purposeful Provision

Children learn best through play-based, first-hand experiences. Our carefully planned continuous provision is purposeful and progressive, offering opportunities for children to explore, investigate, practise skills and apply learning independently.

Activities are designed to spark curiosity, promote problem solving and encourage children to take ownership of their learning. We support children to become independent learners and confident risk-takers, encouraging them to make choices, try new things and persevere when challenges arise. Mistakes are valued as part of learning, helping children to develop resilience, ambition and self-belief.

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning is an integral part of our EYFS curriculum.

Our outdoor environment provides rich opportunities for physical development, exploration, creativity and collaborative play.

Children are encouraged to take appropriate risks, challenge themselves and explore the world around them, supporting their well-being and holistic development.

Inclusion and Well-being

At Great Kimble, we celebrate individuality and are ambitious for all children. Our EYFS provision is inclusive and welcoming, ensuring that every child—regardless of background, ability or need—can access, enjoy and succeed in learning.

Through quality-first teaching, thoughtful scaffolding and targeted support, we ensure that all children are supported to thrive.

Preparing for Bold Futures

By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, children leave us as happy, confident and independent learners with strong foundations in communication, problem solving and emotional well-being.

They demonstrate our Christian values in action, showing love and respect for others, resilience in the face of challenge and the confidence to collaborate and learn together.

With big hearts and bold futures, our children are well prepared for the next stage of their education and life beyond Great Kimble.