Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In Reception, we aim to give each child a happy, positive and secure start to their school life, establishing strong foundations on which they can build a lifelong love of learning. In the Early Years we are both aspirational and inspirational: children are encouraged to embrace challenge, explore new ideas and develop independence within a safe, nurturing environment. We celebrate every child as an individual, ensuring their needs are met and that they feel fully included at all times. Through rich experiences, purposeful play and supportive relationships, our children become confident learners who are proactive, inquisitive and eager to seek answers to new questions. Their kindness, empathy and sense of community enable them to grow, flourish and contribute positively to the world around them.

The curriculum concentrates on 7 areas, split between prime and specific areas of learning.

The prime areas of learning are:

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

The specific areas of learning are:

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


Teaching is often done through play, where the child learns about subjects and other people through games.  Children learn through experience of a wide range of practical and play-based activities, many of which will arise from the child's own interests and previous experience. Staff support, guide and assess children and modify the provision of activities to meet children's needs. We offer a well-resourced learning environment for our EYFS pupils, including an outdoor area which is used all-year round.


All children are introduced to reading through the sharing of books and stories, daily phonics teaching and a range of activities in the indoor and outdoor provision areas, and reading books which are taken home daily.

Early years foundation stage profile (EYFSP)

At the end of the academic year when a child turns 5, each child is assessed against the Early Learning Goals. For more information about this, please speak to the class teacher. 

For further information about Reception at Isleham, please look at the EYFS policy below or contact the school office.