The reception class curriculum is based on the non-statutory curriculum 'Development Matters'.  This forms the second year of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) applies to children from birth to the end of the Reception year. At St Thomas we have a Nursery for children aged 3-4 years and Reception, 4-5 years.

The EYFS is based upon four principles:

• every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured;

• children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships;

• children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers;

• children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

Our curriculum gives children memorable and inspiring experiences, opportunities and direct instruction that will motivate their learning and increase their engagement. Books and stories are woven through our provision and our practice ensuring that children leave the early years with a love of reading. The curriculum is designed to constantly flow from

• the known to the unknown

• the familiar to the unfamiliar

• the local to the global

• the first-hand to the secondary

The seven areas of learning and development and how we implement them

The EYFS is made up of seven areas of learning and development which are equally important, interlinked and depend on each other.

These areas are delivered through well planned continuous provision, daily routines and adult led opportunities. We aim for a flexible mix of adult led and child-initiated activities within an environment which is designed to support them. Adult led encompasses whole class input, small group work and intentional interactions during child-initiated learning.