We have chosen to work with Birth to 5 Matters as a framework to underpin our Curriculum.  We feel that this document offers a rich source of information and guidance for teachers and practitioners to draw on.

Long term:

We have mapped out the key skills which we aim for children to achieve at each stage of their time throughout the EYFS. These specific skills have been identified as they require adults to teach directly, rather than to learn through child initiated play- they include the modelling of skills, specific concepts and understanding which need to be planned in a focused approach.  

Additionally, children will also have many opportunities for the development of a wide range of ongoing skills through their engagement with the learning environment, adults and their peers.  The Continuous provision offers lots of opportunity for children to practice these skills in different contexts and to really embed their learning- for example the daily opportunity to practice language and social skills through play with their peers.

Mini topics

We use mini topics as a vehicle to teach children key focus skills. Mini topics provide a structure for shorter term planning which enable teachers to have flexibility to draw on children's interests. We ensure that the key skills are taught however the context might be through learning about Dinosaurs or perhaps Minibeasts.  We recognise the importance of really engaging the children in their learning with topics which interests them.