Welcome to Early Years Foundation Stage at
Stelling Minnis Church of England Primary School
At Stelling Minnis Church of England Primary School, we believe that every child deserves a happy, nurturing and inspiring start to their school journey. Guided by our school vision, we encourage every child to shine brightly and reach their full potential within a caring and supportive environment.
Our Early Years environment is rooted in our core values of curiosity, courage and compassion. We nurture curious learners who are excited to explore and discover the world around them, inspire children to develop the courage to try new experiences and become resilient learners, and promote compassion through kindness, friendship and respect for others. Through these values, children flourish socially, emotionally and academically as they begin their learning journey with us.
We provide a rich and engaging curriculum that follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, supporting children in all seven areas of learning through purposeful play, hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions. Set within our beautiful rural community, we are incredibly fortunate to work in partnership with Stelling Lodge Farm, where children take part in Farm School experiences throughout the year. These opportunities allow children to develop confidence, responsibility and a deeper understanding of the natural world through real-life experiences. We are also proud to offer Forest School sessions for every class each week, led by our experienced Forest School leader. Forest School encourages children to become resilient, independent and adventurous learners while developing teamwork, problem-solving skills and a love of the outdoors.
Our Early Years classroom is a calm, homely and nurturing environment designed to make children feel happy, safe and ready to learn. Through carefully planned play and exploration, children develop confidence, independence and curiosity. Children also benefit from access to our dedicated outdoor learning area, including a water area, large sand pit, construction area, bikes, trikes and areas for planting and growing. We also regularly use the field, playground and timber trail to support children’s gross motor skills, coordination and outdoor learning experiences.
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
Communication and Language
Developing speaking, listening and understanding skills through stories, conversations and play.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Building confidence, independence, resilience and positive relationships.
Physical Development
Developing fine and gross motor skills through active play, outdoor learning and practical activities.
Literacy
Encouraging a love of reading, storytelling, mark-making and early writing.
Mathematics
Exploring numbers, patterns, shape and problem-solving through practical experiences.
Understanding the World
Learning about people, communities, nature and the wider world through exploration and discovery.
Expressive Arts and Design
Using imagination, creativity, music, role play and art to express ideas and feelings.
At Stelling Minnis, we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics scheme to support children in becoming confident readers and writers. Through engaging daily phonics sessions, children learn to recognise sounds, blend words for reading and develop their early writing skills in a fun and systematic way. We work closely with parents to support reading and phonics at home, helping children to develop a lifelong love of reading from the very start of their learning journey.
Click on the link below for Little Wandle parent information and free resources:
For parents | Letters and Sounds
We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential. By working closely with families, we can support every child to thrive and reach their full potential. We love celebrating learning from home and encourage parents to share special achievements, experiences and WOW moments with us. If you ever have any questions or concerns, our door is always open and we are happy to help. A weekly newsletter is sent out to share our learning in school, along with reminders and important updates. Photos and updates of our learning are also regularly shared on our class page through the Dojo app.
Transition
We aim to make the transition into school as smooth and positive as possible. During June and July, children are invited to attend four transition sessions at school and at the farm, helping them to become familiar with their new classroom environment, teachers and friends. Mrs O’Callaghan also visits children in their nursery settings and meets with their key person to support a smooth handover into school. A parent information meeting is also held at school to share everything you need to know before your child starts their journey with us.
School Readiness
School readiness encompasses a child’s social, emotional, communication and practical skills that enable them to engage confidently in learning and daily school routines. It includes:
Communication and language development- Being able to express needs, understand instructions, and interact with peers.
Social and emotional wellbeing- Forming positive relationships, managing feelings and adapting to new routines.
Independence and practical skills- Using the toilet independently, managing personal belongings, and following simple instructions.
Positive engagement with learning- Curiosity, attention and willingness to participate in classroom activities.
Parents and carers play a crucial role in school readiness by:
- Practising key skills at home gradually such as self-care, following instructions and social interaction.
- Building confidence and independence through everyday routines and play-based activities.
- Communicating with early years providers and schools about any additional support their child may need, especially for summer-born children, children with English as an additional language, or children with special educational needs.
By following these strategies, this enables a smooth transition into primary school, supports your child's wellbeing and lays strong foundations for lifelong learning.
The Department for Education has published practical guidance for families to support children's transition into reception. Click on the link below for more information and advice to enable your child to be school ready:
Preparing for school - Best Start in Life