Early Years Curriculum 

 Literacy - Reading and Writing 

Phonics

In Reception we learn phase 2 and phase 3 phonics. We may move onto phase 4 towards the end of the year. It is important to know the letters of the alphabet, but in reading we teach the sounds of the letters rather than the letter names. We can then blend these sounds together to say a word, e.g. s-a-t -----> sat!

We learn phonics through a scheme called ‘Phonics bug’ and also through sound booklets.

 Phase 2 phonic sounds                                                        Phase 3 phonic sounds 

High Frequency Words

These are 45 words to learn to read and write by the end of Reception. They are called high frequency words, because we use them so often. Your child will be able to move up the word bands on our 'reading rocket' and ‘spelling rocket’. Once all of the words have been learned, your child will 'land on the moon' and can choose a prize from the prize box! Many of the high frequency words are 'tricky' words which you cannot 'sound out'. They are 'sight' words which your child will learn to read.

Early Years Curriculum - Development Matters

The EYFS Framework (Development Matters) explains how and what your child will be learning to support their healthy development. Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development. These 7 areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities. The professionals teaching and supporting your child will make sure that the activities are suited to your child’s unique needs. This is a little bit like a curriculum in primary and secondary schools, but it's suitable for very young children, and it's designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow your child's unique needs and interests. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.

Early Learning Goals - End of year targets

The Early Learning Goals (ELGs) are the goals or targets children are expected to achieve at the end of their Reception year. They will be working towards these goals throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage. There are 17 ELGs across all the areas of learning as shown below.

Prime Areas

Specific Areas