At St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a high-quality learning environment where every child is valued as a unique individual. Our provision establishes secure foundations for future learning and equips children with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become confident, curious, and independent learners.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2024), ensuring that all children receive a broad, balanced and ambitious start to their education.

Meet the EYFS Team

Our experienced EYFS team consists of qualified teachers and skilled practitioners who work collaboratively to provide high-quality education and care.

Miss Lisa Clarke - Nursery Teacher & Paediatric First Aider
Mrs Denise Corbett - Nursey Teaching Assistant 

Miss Emma Beard - Reception Teacher & Paediatric First Aider
Mrs Maria Welsby - Reception Teaching Assistant & Paediatric First Aider

Curriculum Intent

Our EYFS curriculum is built around the seven areas of learning and development, ensuring coverage and progression that are both purposeful and responsive to children’s needs:

- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design

We place a strong emphasis on communication, language and personal development, recognising these as key foundations for future learning. Our intent is to foster a love of learning through high-quality interactions, rich language experiences, and an engaging curriculum that reflects the interests and experiences of our children.

Curriculum Implementation

Our curriculum is delivered through a combination of adult-led learning, guided group work, and high-quality continuous provision. Practitioners skilfully plan and adapt provision to ensure all children make strong progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.

The indoor and outdoor environments are organised to promote independence and curiosity. Learning experiences are planned using Development Matters and our whole-school curriculum progression documents to ensure a coherent sequence of learning. Practitioners use ongoing formative assessment to shape daily provision and address misconceptions quickly.

Curriculum Impact

Assessment is ongoing and informs next steps in learning. Children are assessed on entry through a baseline process, including the statutory Reception Baseline Assessment. Practitioners make regular observations to inform planning and track progress across all areas of learning.

By the end of the Reception year, most children achieve a Good Level of Development (GLD), enabling them to transition smoothly and successfully into Key Stage 1. Assessment information is moderated both internally and externally to ensure accuracy and consistency. 

Children in St Theresa's EYFS become confident communicators and comfortable when having conversations with their peers and other adults. The children learn to express themselves clearly and know that they are all entitled to have their own opinion and use their voices to express how they are feeling. 

Working with Parents and Carers

We recognise the importance of strong partnerships with parents and carers in supporting children’s development. We provide regular updates through newsletters, curriculum overviews, parent workshops and informal conversations. Parents are encouraged to share learning from home, supporting our joined-up approach to learning and development.

Transition and Admissions

We work closely with families and other settings to ensure that the transition into our EYFS is smooth and supportive. This includes induction meetings, home visits and previous nursery visits to enable children to settle confidently. Please see the Starting Reception school readiness document below. 

Information about admissions to our Nursery and Reception classes can be found on our Admissions page or through the Local Authority’s website.

Assessment in EYFS

- Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) on entry
- Ongoing formative assessment through observation and interaction
- Statutory EYFS Profile at the end of the Reception year

Assessment information is shared with parents regularly at parents meetings and informs planning, support and challenge for all pupils.

Safeguarding and Welfare

Safeguarding is at the heart of our EYFS provision. We meet all statutory safeguarding and welfare requirements as outlined in the EYFS Framework, ensuring that children learn and play in a safe, secure and nurturing environment. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly, and staff receive ongoing safeguarding training.

Downloads and Key Documents

- EYFS Curriculum Overview (Nursery)
- EYFS Curriculum Overview (Reception)
- Development Matters Guidance
- Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2024)
- What to Expect in the EYFS (Parent Guide)