Early Years Foundation Stage (inc. pre-school)

Children can attend FS1 Dandelions from the age of 3 years and they will remain in the Early Years until the end of FS2 Chestnuts (Reception Year). Our Early Years setting is designed so that every child can enjoy learning in a fun and exciting environment with the support of a very passionate, experienced and professional team of Early Years practitioners. As part of our practice, we deliver a varied, play-centred curriculum based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), across the 7 areas of learning. We provide learning experiences both indoors and outdoors developed from child-led ideas and plan challenging and stimulating learning experiences, based on the individual child,informed by continuous observation and assessment.

At Downlands Community School, we acknowledge the role that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) plays in laying the secure foundations for future learning and development of life skills. We feel that it is important to view the EYFS as preparation for life and not simply preparation for the next stage of education. As outlined in the EYFS framework:

“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the Early Years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right and it provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up”

At Downlands Community School we are proud of our school motto;

We Care, We Share, We Believe, We Achieve.

In the Early Years, these core values are echoed in the ethos of our setting;

We Care: Helping each other, tidying up and keeping our classroom clean, forming friendships, understanding emotions and resolutions, celebrating successes and learning from each other, looking after each other when we are sad, cross, hurt or tired.

We Share: Celebrating learning experiences, sharing ideas and plans, communicating our past and future experiences, cultural diversity and festivals, toys and resources.

We Believe: Trying new things, believing we can do it, the power of ‘yet’, being resilient, trying again, taking risks.

We Achieve: Being proud of our achievements, learning new things, problem solving, making progress, hitting goals, getting chosen for star of the week/group cuddlies, Values Awards.

We aim to provide the highest quality care and education for all of our children thereby giving them a strong foundation for their future learning. We create a safe and happy environment in which everyone is included, expected and valued, so that they may grow in self-esteem and develop to their full potential. We provide motivating and enjoyable learning experiences that enable children to become confident, independent, self-disciplined, self-motivated and resilient. We value the individual child and work alongside parents and others to ensure that their needs are met and we help every child to reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on the positive relationships that we form with the children in both FS1 and FS2 and we inspire a love of learning and independence that will remain with the children throughout their school life. We work closely together as a team to ensure smooth transitions from FS1 to FS2.

We warmly welcome you here at Downlands and we hope, that by taking the children on their first steps through education, they will be confident and happy to become lifelong learners, with the enthusiasm to accept challenges and embrace new opportunities. We seek to develop and promote lively and inquisitive minds with the desire and skill to explore new ideas. We foster a sense of awe and wonder and develop natural curiosity, so children enjoy learning in and out of school. We encourage our children to believe in themselves, while equipping them with the fundamental skills to enjoy and achieve in life.

Jodi Loveless (FS1/FS2 Early Years Lead/FS2 Teacher) Julie Palmer (FS1 Early Years Childcare Lead) and the EYFS team.

Useful links for parents of EYFS children:

NHS Guide to a health diet for children
Eric website potty advice
Signalong
FS2 School readiness
Sleep advice for children
Teeth Team
Love my books
Tiny Happy People
Learning to talk

Parents of FS1 children can use their Early Education Funding entitlement, including the Government 30 hours free funding for eligible 3 & 4 year-olds, at any time during opening hours. The hourly rate for pre-school is £5.00. Snack is served in a morning session at a cost of 20p per session. For more information, please contact the school office.