Curriculum Intent

At Minster-in-Sheppey Primary School, our vision is for every child to be the best they can be – best learner, best friend, and best citizen.

Our Early Years curriculum reflects these values by fostering an environment that is safe and nurturing where independence, resilience and confidence is promoted. Children are immersed into high quality learning through first hand experiences and high-quality play building the foundations for future learning. Children learn collaboratively alongside others, take risks in their learning, spark curiosity and wonder by asking questions.

We believe that every child should always feel valued and should experience the feeling of success whatever their strengths. When children believe in themselves they are determined to tackle any challenges they face.  Our curriculum has no limits! 

Implementation

At Minster-in-Sheppey Primary School, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework which is a framework setting standards for children’s learning, development and care from birth to five.

Before children choose Minster in Sheppey Primary they are invited to join us for a variety of activities which enables them and their parents/carers to experience what we offer at Minster and to meet staff. 

We conduct home visits before children begin school to ensure children’s transition into school is happy and allows them to reach their full potential and by having an ‘open door’ and being present when children come into school and leave each day allows us to build valuable relationships with parents and carers.

Our curriculum is a balance of teacher directed and self-initiated activities, which includes play and follows active learning to build essential skills for future progress.

We take time to get to know our children and their interests to support their learning. We ensure skilled adult interactions that include modelling, questioning and the introduction of wide range of vocabulary to support learning. All areas of the EYFS curriculum are followed and planned for; ensuring there is a broad, balanced learning environment and curriculum. Strong routines support the children to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge and demonstrate understanding through the seven areas in the EYFS curriculum.

The Prime Areas are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Communication and Language

 The Specific Areas are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Art and Design

These 7 areas are used to plan children’s learning. Activities and the teaching of these areas of learning is practical and playful with support and challenge from adults in directed time, small group sessions and when working with individuals. There is a combination of adult-led, teacher taught sessions as well as stimulating continuous provision opportunities. Daily guided activities are set up and planned that cover different areas of the EYFS curriculum and allow children to develop their next steps in learning.

We are lucky enough to have a large outside area which is split into areas for children to explore. Children are encouraged to extend their learning in both the indoor and outdoor space with the support of adults.

We regularly assess where the children are using the Development Matters and then ensure our planning, adult interaction and learning environment support children to reach their next steps.

We keep parents informed of their child’s progress through two parent evenings and by two written reports each year.  

Impact

At Minster-in-Sheppey Primary School, Foundation children are confident, independent learners. Quality first teaching supported by targeted interventions where appropriate impact on children’s outcomes. A variety of opportunities ensure that children collaborate and develop social skills both indoors and out.

Careful planning and strong relationships guide the children to make choices which enables them to feel safe and extend their own learning. Children can select resources and create their own learning opportunities during play. The curriculum offers broad and balanced learning, promoting achievement, confidence and good behaviour which prepares children for their next steps into Year One and beyond.