A very brief look at the Foundation Stage!
This is the period from birth to five years.

In our four Reception classes the children enter the school in the year in which they will become five and remain with the same teacher for that academic year. All our children from the moment they enter school are observed and assessed. They then work towards the Early Learning Goals. Most children are expected to achieve the early learning goals by the end of the Foundation Stage.

At Chalkwell there is a stong emphasis on both child initiated and planned activites. Our curriculum is delivered through a combination of whole class activites/small group/child and adult focussed activities.

The EYFS became statutory in September 2008 and the areas of learning and development are as follows: 

The 6 broad areas of learning: - (Please click on each link to see examples)

Personal, social and emotional development.
The children are encouraged to show respect and consider the consequences of their deeds. We promote Circle Time and through this we encourage all children to have a positive disposition to learn and to develop their social skills. We develop their independence.

Communication, Language and Literacy.
The children are encouraged to think independently. Reading is given a high priority and children are encouraged to take home and share books with their family. Hand writing skills are supported both inside and outside the classroom.

Mathematical development.
The children are encouraged to count/ match/ sort/ look at patterns and to make connections within each area of Number, Calculations and Shape, Space and Measures.

Knowledge and understanding of the world
The children are encouraged to develop enquiring minds through first hand experience both inside and outside the classroom. They have access to six computers shared between two bases which are in use all the time. We are fortunate to have a dedicated ICT suite which we are timetabled to use once a week.

Physical development
Children are encouraged to develop the skills of co-ordination, control and movement in gross and fine motor. They take part in 2 Activate sessions every day as well as Dance, Gym and Games. They are encouraged to recognise the importance of keeping healthy and being fit.

Creative development
Children are encouraged and supported to explore ideas, feelings and thoughts through music, dance, role-play and imaginative small wrold play.