Early Years

“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs.”
Statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework

At Cavendish CE Primary School, our Early Years curriculum is designed to ensure that all children learn, love and belong from their very first day with us. We provide a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where every child feels safe, valued and confident to explore, grow and thrive.

Our EYFS curriculum sits within the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS), which sets the standards for learning, development and care from birth to five years. It prepares children for a successful transition into Year 1, with a strong focus on developing each child’s individual potential in all areas of learning.

Our Approach and Core Values

We believe that children learn best when they feel secure, respected and engaged. Our curriculum reflects our school vision — We learn, we love, we belong — and is underpinned by three key principles:

Learning Through Play and Exploration

Children take part in a blend of child-initiated play and adult-guided activities that help them build vital skills across all areas of learning. Through purposeful play, children develop curiosity, confidence and early problem-solving skills.

Strong Relationships and Inclusion

We prioritise nurturing, positive interactions between adults and children, fostering trust, independence and emotional wellbeing. Every child — regardless of background, readiness or need — is supported to access learning with confidence. We plan learning that responds to children’s interests, strengths and next steps.

Foundation for Lifelong Learning

Our curriculum ensures that children build on what they already know from home, nursery or pre-school and make meaningful connections each day. High-quality interactions and careful planning enable children to achieve their early learning goals and be well prepared for Key Stage 1.

What Children Learn in the EYFS

The EYFS curriculum is organised around seven areas of learning and development — all of which are essential for building a foundation of knowledge, skills and behaviours:

Prime Areas

  • Personal, Social & Emotional Development

  • Communication & Language

  • Physical Development

These areas focus on relationships, self-confidence, language and movement — forming the basis for future learning.

Specific Areas

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Understanding the World

  • Expressive Arts & Design

These areas help children explore early maths and reading concepts, develop knowledge about people and places, and express themselves creatively.

In EYFS, children’s progress is continually assessed through observation and expert questioning, allowing adults to respond to individual needs and support each child’s next steps.

Inclusion and Belonging

At Cavendish, we are committed to inclusion. We celebrate each child’s uniqueness and provide tailored support so that all learners can access every part of the curriculum. This includes:

  • Adapted activities to meet different developmental needs

  • Strong partnerships with parents, carers and specialists

  • High expectations for every child, with scaffolded support where needed

We believe that when children feel they belong, they are more confident to take risks, seek challenges and grow as learners.

A Warm and Supportive Start

Our EYFS setting offers a calm and welcoming environment where children are encouraged to:

  • develop friendships and social confidence

  • explore ideas and solve problems

  • communicate thoughts, feelings and questions

  • enjoy stories, music and first experiences of reading and play

We work closely with parents and carers to ensure that each child’s early experiences are positive, joyful and meaningful.

Preparing for Year 1

As children approach the end of EYFS, we support a smooth and confident transition into Year 1. This includes building independence, early literacy and maths skills, and the resilience needed for more structured learning ahead.