Navigation

Exceptional Education at the Heart of the Community

Exceptional Education at the Heart of the Community

Early Years

The EYFS is a unique, distinct, and important phase in education. It places an equal priority on supporting children’s social and emotional development and on their learning. It is a crucial time for developing children’s engagement, enjoyment of learning and motivation. The curriculum in the Early Years provides a structure and sense of direction, whilst providing ambitious opportunities for children to learn. Our curriculum recognises children’s prior learning and experiences and seeks to build on these, developing their skills and knowledge through a variety of themes and first-hand experiences that stimulate their curiosity. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all children ensuring adaptations are made where necessary.

Play and exploration are at the heart of Early Years practice and children are able to interact with well-organised and resourced environments that spark their interests and allow for independence and sustained shared thinking. Environments are enhanced with a wide range of multi-sensory activities that encourage children to explore, develop skills and adapt their own learning.

At Oasis Academy Don Valley, we believe that our children learn best:

  • If we give them a wide experience of different subjects and activities
  • If we focus on teaching them skills and how to do things
  • If they are actively involved, interested and enjoy their learning

By providing a secure learning environment and engaging curriculum children gain an exceptional education. We build warm and caring relationships, encourage the children’s creativity and develop their self-esteem. We use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) profile and work with the children assessing the seven areas of learning:  

Our children learn inside and outside through motivating and exciting topics.

We have high expectations and take into consideration all aspects of the child – emotional, social, physical and intellectual when planning for the care and education. We believe in providing children with first hand experiences, which empower them to be actively involved in their own learning in a meaningful way.

The foundation stage staff work as a team and plan for focused teaching and purposeful play. Children have structured lessons, adult led group learning, independent learning opportunities and access to child led continuous provision both indoors and outside. EYFS staff plan and work together to ensure continuity and progression, providing age, stage related activities to suit, and challenge all the children. Children are taught in a variety of ways; in whole class groups, small groups, pairs and individually.