We use the documents entitled 'Development Matters' and 'Birth to Five' to inform both our planning and assessment. We have designed our curriculum to address the needs of the children attending and the community we are a part of. As such, our curriculum is always evolving. It is rich with practical experiences and combines both adult and child lead learning which foster curiosity and a sense of ownership from both staff and learners. 

The characteristics of effective learning underpin all elements of our curriculum. We have three broad themes and work within one of these each term. In the autumn it is 'Ourselves', in the spring it is 'Homes' and in the summer our theme is titled 'Journeys'. This allows us to layer our curriculum with the teaching of fundamental skills at the different developmental stages of our children. 

Within these themes we refine our topics further and link the learning to a carefully chosen text or texts. This enables the children to build meaningful links between their experiences and learning whilst combining their skills from the seventeen different areas as documented in 'Development Matters'. 

We personalise the delivery of our curriculum; we teach in small groups, whole classes or one to one as the individual child's stage of development requires it. Children are then given opportunities to consolidate and deepen their learning by accessing the continuous provision.

We teach phonics using the FFT Success for All Phonics scheme. All of our children take a book for pleasure home each week and take part in a shared reading session every week. We have daily singing and music lessons and our younger learners have weekly listening walks. 

The learning journey is shared with parents via 'Tapestry' and they are encouraged to celebrate achievements from home in the same way. Staff share the weekly story via a video on Tapestry as well as recordings of key teaching to help parents support their child.

Curriculum in the Foundation Stage

Children are surrounded by a variety of books including Big Books and Story Sacks. They are encouraged to listen to stories and share books with each other. There is also the opportunity to borrow a book from our Foundation library.

During Active Learning varied literacy activities are accessible and are supported by the use of appropriate CD Roms.

Many opportunities are provided for the children to speak and listen to both adults and each other. Visitors such as the dentist, nurse and librarian are invited into school to give variety and interest for the children and to encourage interaction. Children learn to talk about their choices for play activities and to tell the other children what they have done, this is extended to foster questioning skills. Each day children take part in a phonic session. Some children focus on sounds they hear and make within the surroundings and in words. They then progress onto letter recognition, blending and segmenting letters, reading and writing.

Children also take home individual reading books. Children will have the opportunity to do some kind of ‘reading skills’ session each day in small groups, however, independent reading will no longer take place on a daily basis.

Children will also bring home some key words throughout the year. These are words which we hope they will learn to read by the end of the year.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

The children experience early mathematics skills such as sorting, classifying, identifying shapes and colours, repeating patterns, counting, practical addition and subtraction, measuring and capacity in sand, water play and baking. A number of CD Roms also support mathematical learning. We learn many number rhymes to help with counting which the children find fun.

We cover all the elements of PSRN hour and have specific focused teaching times as well as independent practical and adult led activities. 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

The children are encouraged to be independent, self reliant and self-confident. We also foster turn taking, sharing, co-operation and helpfulness. In addition to co-operative play and joint responsibility for organising and tidying the unit we provide specific situations in role-play to develop social skills.

Activities requiring collaborative group skills are specifically built into the planning in FS.

Physical Development

The children have access to a variety of writing and colouring equipment as well as scissors, construction toys, play dough and clay. In our outside play area we have climbing equipment. We plan the equipment that we use on a weekly basis, weather permitting, so that we have a variety of activities. 

Creative Development

The children are offered many creative activities in any one-week ranging from painting, drawing and printing to collage, clay and box modelling. We also use musical instruments and sing rhymes and songs. Foundation children are part of the whole school and have a small part to play in any organised concerts. 

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

The children are encouraged to explore and investigate. They think about:

• How they have changed since they were babies
• Where they live
• Plants, animals and weather
• How things work

We also use the computer to support many areas. We have computers within the unit for our exclusive use.