Our Aims in the Foundation Stage

The first year of school is a very special time for all of the children and at Collingtree Church of England Primary School we aim to make them feel happy, secure and confident within their learning environment. The children will continue to complete the Foundation Stage Curriculum during the Reception Year. This will underpin all future learning by supporting, fostering, promoting and developing the children’s skills and understanding across the seven areas of learning.

The seven areas of learning are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
• Communication and Language.
• Physical Development.
• Literacy.
• Mathematics.
• Understanding the world.
• Expressive arts and design.

Within each area of learning the children work towards Early Learning Goals at the end of the Reception year. Children develop in the context of relationships and the environment around them.

Our approach to learning emphasises the importance of play and social development. The children are given opportunities to be involved in a wide range of activities where they can explore and investigate. They are encouraged to experiment with a variety of materials, to ask questions and discuss what they are doing. Directed activities will take place in small groups with the teacher or another adult guiding the children. The children will be encouraged to contribute to discussions, to interact and co-operate with others. The children will also be encouraged to grow in independence, to take responsibility for organising their belongings and become increasingly involved in school routines.

You can help them by:

• Encouraging them to take care of their belongings.
• To be independent in toileting before they come to school.
• To be as independent as possible when dressing and undressing themselves.
• Reading books together and talking about the stories.

In Northamptonshire, children are able to attend school from four years onwards. It is therefore important to remember that they will develop at different rates and will begin school with a wide range of experiences and skills. As previously mentioned, the Foundation Stage is vital to a child’s education. At Collingtree, we aim to make it a rewarding and pleasurable experience.