Early Years Foundation Stage
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision includes a comprehensive and nurturing environment that caters to the developmental needs of young children. Our EYFS provision consists of:
- Pre-school: Admitting children 2-3 years old, we offer a morning session designed to provide a gentle introduction to structured learning through play.
- Nursery: For children aged 3-4 years old, we offer flexible attendance options including morning, afternoon, and full-time places. This flexibility ensures that we can meet the diverse needs of our families while providing a consistent and high-quality learning experience.
- Reception: two classes for our Reception cohort, build on the foundational skills developed in pre-school and nursery, preparing children for a smooth transition into structured learning in Year 1.
Range of Learning Experiences
In the younger years, our daily structure and routines strike a balance between focused, adult-led sessions and extended periods of child-led exploration. Children thrive through play, by observing and interacting with peers, through guided learning, and with direct, purposeful teaching.
As they progress through Reception, the proportion of structured learning gradually increases, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary needed for their next steps. Our intentional planning allows EYFS staff to closely observe each child, recognising their interests and passions to create meaningful, engaging, and appropriately challenging learning opportunities.
Reading is at the heart of everything we do. Our classrooms are named after beloved authors, immersing children in a world of storytelling from the very start. Each day, they embark on adventures through captivating stories, vibrant illustrations, and rich, expressive language—building a deep love for books that will stay with them for life.
For information on pre-school and nursery, see the relevant tab.
How to support your child's learning at home
We use Tapestry, an interactive Online Learning Journal, to capture and celebrate each child’s learning journey across the EYFS curriculum. This platform allows us to document progress, development, and key milestones, ensuring that parents and carers stay informed with regular updates and clear ‘next steps’ for learning.
We warmly encourage families to be part of the children's journey, as by working together, we create a richer, more connected learning experience for every child.
Every week, across the EYFS children have the opportunity to select a library book which they will bring home and share with their families. This is the perfect opportunity for carers to sit together before bed and share wonderful stories.
In Reception, as well as a library book, pupils bring home a phonics book that is suited to their phonological knowledge; we strongly encourage carers to spend 5 minutes every day listening to their child read, sharing their success with us in their reading record.
Families and carers information
We recognise the importance of strong partnerships with parents, carers and families. We strive to have good communication with our families about their child’s progress, learning and development.
To support family understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the prime areas of learning, we offer regular curriculum-related workshops. Every fortnight, we share our school newsletter, and each half term, we provide curriculum newsletters for each year. These updates keep you informed about your child's achievements, learning experiences, and upcoming topics.
Presentations for families:
Outdoor Presentation for parents and carers February 2024
Sounds Write Presentation for parents 2024
EYFS Profile parent meeting 2024
Useful Resources
- EYFS Transitions at Dollis Primary School https://www.dollisprimary.com/eyfs-transitions-september-2024/
- Family Support Information:
Family Support Padlet - Development Matters – Non-statutory Curriculum Guidance:
Development Matters Report (Sep 2023) - Early years foundation stage statutory framework EYFS_statutory_framework_for_group_and_school_-_based_providers.pdf