The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework followed by all Early Years settings following the British Curriculum. This is a child centered curriculum, which places play and exploration at the forefront of the child’s learning journey.

The EYFS framework guides staff to provide meaningful learning opportunities across 7 areas of learning and development, outlined on the next page:

Our Pre-Reception and Reception classrooms are organised to allow children to explore and learn securely and safely. There are specific areas where the children can be active, be quiet, creative etc. Through our enriched learning environment, we aim to promote learning across all 7 areas of the EYFS statutory framework.

All our staff are passionate about promoting outdoor learning, and students have access to both the inside and outside areas throughout the school day. Being outdoors has immeasurable benefits to the development of young children, and we encourage families to send their child to school each day prepared for all weather conditions. Across the indoor and outdoor environments, children can explore, use their senses and be physically active and exuberant.

What learning looks like

Play and exploration is fundamental within our Early Years classes. This means children are able to choose activities where they can engage with other children or adults or, sometimes, play alone. During these activities, the children will learn by first-hand experiences; by actively ‘doing’ as well as through scaffolding and modeling by adults.

Across the classroom environment there are a variety of planned and prepared activities by the teachers, as well as ample resources to allow the children to initiate their own learning. Learning opportunities are prepared through discussion with the children around their current interests, as well as taking into account their learning styles and stages of development. As the children progress through Early Years, they are challenged and encouraged to meet their potential across all areas of learning. Each child continues to be supported and challenged through a lively and motivating curriculum, which caters for each child’s individual needs and abilities.

Greek

Alongside the 7 areas of learning and development outlined in the EYFS curriculum, we also adhere to the Cyprus Ministry of Education guidelines and provide all students Greek lessons each day. During this time, our experienced Greek teaching staff incorporate singing, stories and a range of creative activities to inspire our students and promote a love of language.