How we teach in EYFS
At Overfields we acknowledge that the environment plays a vital role in supporting and extending the children’s development. We aim to create an attractive, welcoming and stimulating learning environment, which will encourage children to explore, investigate and learn through first-hand experience. We also aim to make it a place where children feel secure and confident and are challenged to develop their independence. Activities are planned for both the inside and outside environment. Children have the freedom to move between the indoor and outdoor classroom during child-initiated learning time.
How the environment supports the curriculum
We believe that developing a learning environment that allows the children to select their own resources is a crucial part of creating independent and curious learners. Adults support the children to select the things they need to follow their interest. Often when a new interest develops the adults will then adapt the environment and resources to support this thread of learning.
Our long-term planning ensures that teaching and learning is progressive throughout Nursery and Reception.
Each half term, we introduce a new theme and plan exciting and engaging activities that will move the children’s learning forward, whilst also providing the flexibility for children to follow their own interests and ideas. A weekly plan outlines the learning intentions to be focused on in each area of learning and shows how those activities and experiences will be delivered through ‘Adult Led’ and ‘Child Initiated’ learning opportunities.
The timetable is carefully structured so that children have directed teaching during the day. The timetable changes throughout the year to take into consideration the changing needs of the children.
Visits and Visitors
We love to provide children with opportunities that lots of them have not experienced before or will provide the spark for further immersion in a theme or project.
We enjoy visits to the local library, Reception visit Raby Castle during the summer term and Nursery enjoy a visit to the farm.
Visitors are also welcomed and we enjoy meeting local firefighters, police officers, a soldier who visit during our ‘people who help us’ topic. Nursery enjoy a visit from an owl during their topic on animals.
