At Copp, we aim to provide a stimulating and exciting environment for the children to develop the early skills they need through a range of creative activities such as mark making, malleable, technology, constructing and building, exploring, problem-solving and physical development, both inside and outside the classroom. These approaches help the children to develop independence, the skills of problem-solving and critical thinking. The children will be taught key skills in reading, writing and mathematics through child-initiated play and focused led activities.

The Department for Education has published a guide for parents, produced by Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre – ‘What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ (formerly ‘What to expect when’) which guides parents through what to expect in their child’s development. It aligns with the new Development Matters to help practitioners engage with parents about their child’s development. Please click on the link below to view this useful document. 

The EYFS curriculum was revised in September 2020 and was legally effective from 1st September 2021 for all providers of early years education and care. 

The Government’s two key aims for the changes to the EYFS;

• To improve outcomes at age five, particularly in early language and literacy
• Reduce workload so that practitioners can spend more time interacting with children in their care.

The Development Matters (see link above) offers a top-level view of how children develop and learn for all early years practitioners, including:

• childminders
• staff in nurseries
• nursery schools
• school nursery and reception classes in school

The guidance can help meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework (see link above).

Please see the links below to the Pre-School and Reception class pages for more information.