2025-2026 Vision:
During the first five years of a child's life, their brain develops faster than at any other time, with 90% of brain growth occurring during this period. At St Ursula's staff understand the importance of these formative years and the role that they play in establishing the foundations for future learning.
The principles for Early Years Foundation Stage framework underpins all that we do. Within the EYFS, staff understand that each child is unique and recognise the importance of social, emotional and physical development. Children's interests are developed through high quality interactions and positive relationships, with learning taking place in an enabling environment which develops learning across seven areas of learning and development, namely:
- Communication and language
- Personal, social and emotional development (PSED)
- Physical development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
A play-based environment allows pupils to learn by leading their own play, supported by 'in the moment' back and forth interactions with adults aimed at further developing the child's interests. During these play-based experiences, children build their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems, therefore providing children with the opportunity to develop in different ways and at different rates.
Our school subject leaders complete action plans each year. These plans identify improvement priorities and show the actions the school is taking to develop the subject.
LINKS:
https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/early-learning-development/
