Strong foundations for future learning

At North Mead, our Early Years Foundation Stage gives children the knowledge, language, confidence, independence and learning behaviours they need to thrive in Reception, Year 1 and beyond.

What makes EYFS at North Mead distinctive?

  • Language first — ShREC, stories, songs, rhymes and explicit vocabulary development.
  • Strong foundations — systematic phonics and carefully sequenced early mathematics.
  • Purposeful provision — continuous and enhanced provision planned around clear curriculum intentions.
  • Every child included — early identification, adaptation and ambitious expectations.
  • Memorable experiences — visits, visitors, outdoor learning and cultural experiences.
  • Ready for Year 1 — strong knowledge, independence, communication and learning behaviours.

The seven areas of learning

Prime areas: Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development.

Specific areas: Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design.

ShREC and communication

We use ShREC to strengthen adult-child interaction: Share attention, Respond, Expand, Conversation. Adults use it throughout play, routines, stories and adult-led learning to build sustained conversation, vocabulary and confidence, particularly for children learning English as an additional language.

How children learn

Children learn through a deliberate balance of direct teaching, small-group work, purposeful play, continuous provision, enhanced provision, independent exploration and high-quality adult interaction. We explicitly develop Playing and Exploring, Active Learning, and Creating and Thinking Critically.

What children learn

Phase What children learn
Communication & Language Listening, understanding, vocabulary, conversation, explanation and increasingly complex spoken language.
Literacy Stories, rhyme, phonological awareness, Read Write Inc. Phonics, early reading and writing.
Mathematics Counting, subitising, composition, comparison, pattern, shape, space and measure, supported by Mastering Number approaches.
Understanding the World People, communities, past and present, places, the natural world, technology and change.
Expressive Arts & Design Drawing, painting, music, movement, drama, role play, construction and creative expression.
PSED & Physical Relationships, regulation, independence, self-care, gross and fine motor development.

Assessment

Assessment is woven into everyday teaching through observation, interaction, phonics, mathematical understanding, professional dialogue and information from families. We avoid unnecessary evidence collection: assessment exists to understand the child, identify next steps and improve teaching and provision.

Related North Mead Pages

  • Our Curriculum
  • Reading
  • Admissions