EYFS at Newtown Primary School

At Newtown Primary School, our philosophy and pedagogy for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are rooted in a strong commitment to providing an inclusive and enriching learning experience for all children.  Our approach is deeply aligned with our school values of nurturing Responsible Citizens, Successful Learners, and Resilient Individuals whilst working alongside the 7 areas of learning and the Characteristics of learning.

Intent for Nursery Rhyme Progression

It is essential that children have opportunities from a young age to develop their communication and language skills. Singing nursery rhymes plays a very important role in increasing children’s vocabulary, self-confidence and also supports emotional well-being. There is a strong link between singing nursery rhymes and supporting early literacy development, especially phonics and reading, as it helps children understand rhythm, rhyming words, pitch and pace. Singing nursery rhymes also links to other areas of learning, including maths; through counting songs and history; by learning the background behind the songs.

 

 

EYFS Literacy and Text Overview

 

Click on the link below to view our EYFS literacy and text overview.

 

 

REAL Project

REAL Project Coffee Morning

The REAL coffee morning was a chance to launch the project to selected families.  We chose four families from Nursery and four from Reception.  

We talked about REAL and even challenged the parents by creating an ORIM together!  

Home Visits

We have conducted our first round of home visits focused on engaging families in practical, play-based learning activities.  During these visits, we supported parents and children in planning out a simple play dough recipe, including cutting and sticking images of ingredients and utensils.  We provided each child with their own book to keep in their home to add their own creations to.  They will bring their book along to the next REAL mid-point coffee morning to share their home learning.  

Literacy Event 1

We recently held a parent workshop designed to promote early learning through interactive and creative activities.  During the session, parents and children worked together to explore play dough, encouraging sensory exploration and fine motor development.  Families also explored environmental print by identifying familiar words and symbols, helping to strengthen early literacy skills in a meaningful context.  Story time was a key part of the workshop, where children listened to a shared story by numerous staff, followed by a hands-on activities creating story masks to bring characters to life.  The session concluded in the story area, where families engaged in imaginative play and storytelling.  Overall, the workshop provided an enjoyable and educational opportunity for parents to learn how simple, everyday activities can support their children's language, creativity, and confidence. 

Literacy Event 2

A Christmas Story Time event was held in the school hall.  All children received a chocolate Santa lolly and a hot chocolate.  Children, staff, and families attending the event wearing pyjamas.  Anne from Great Bridge Library visited the school and opened the session by reading a story.  Sandy Bear then participated in a meet-and-greet session, during which children had their photographs taken.  Sandy Bear sat with Anne from the library while a story was read to the children.  

Santa Claus later arrived and greeted the children before distributing gifts, which included a Christmas storybook and a story spoon activity set.  Families were also provided with a December Challenge card and were emailed examples of learning activities to complete over the Christmas holidays.  Children who participated in the December Challenge were awarded a certificate in recognition of their efforts.  

Family Home Learning

What's Next?

• Book Bus and Forest School story time – all children to receive a voucher.  
• Home Visit 2 – Making play dough in the home with families and dough disco.