Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery & Reception) – Overview of Learning

At St Matthew’s, our mixed Nursery and Reception class provides a nurturing, stimulating, and purposeful environment where children begin their learning journey with curiosity, confidence, and joy. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is designed to support the holistic development of every child, recognising that young children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences.

We follow the statutory EYFS Framework, which is shaped around seven key areas of learning and development.

Prime Areas of Learning

These areas form the foundation of early learning and are essential for children’s future success.

1. Communication and Language

Children develop listening, attention, understanding, and speaking skills through stories, songs, discussions, role-play, and high-quality interactions with adults and peers.

2. Physical Development

Pupils build both fine and gross motor skills through outdoor play, sports, climbing, mark-making, construction, and activities that support coordination, control, and self-care.

3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

Children learn to build relationships, understand and express emotions, develop independence, and make positive choices. We encourage kindness, resilience, and confidence.

Specific Areas of Learning

These areas strengthen the prime areas and deepen children’s knowledge and understanding.

4. Literacy

Through phonics, storytelling, mark-making, and shared reading, children develop early reading and writing skills. A love of books and language is fostered from the very start.

5. Mathematics

Children explore number, shape, pattern, measures, and problem-solving through hands-on activities, games, and purposeful play.

6. Understanding the World

Pupils investigate the natural world, explore past and present, learn about different communities and cultures, and develop early scientific thinking.

7. Expressive Arts and Design

Children explore creativity through art, music, role-play, dance, design, and imaginative play. They use a wide range of materials and media to express themselves.

Our Approach to Teaching and Learning

• A resourced indoor and outdoor environment encourages curiosity, independence, and exploration.

• Learning is delivered through a balance of child-initiated play and adult-guided activities.

• Skilled staff observe children closely to plan individualised next steps and ensure every child makes excellent progress.

• We value positive relationships with parents, encouraging regular communication and family involvement in learning. 

What Makes Our Mixed-Class Setting Special?

Our Nursery and Reception children learn alongside one another, enabling:

• Younger children to learn from older role models

• Older children to develop leadership, empathy, and communication skills

• Stronger social bonds and a family-like classroom community

• Flexible learning tailored to each child’s stage of development, not just their age

This approach ensures that every child is known, supported, and challenged appropriately.

Preparing Children for Year 1

As children progress through EYFS, we ensure they develop the skills and confidence needed for a smooth transition into Key Stage 1. This includes:

• Building independence

• Strengthening early literacy and numeracy

• Encouraging sustained focus and resilience

• Fostering a love of learning

By the end of Reception, children work towards the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) as set out in the statutory EYFS Framework.