Introduction 

In the Reception class at Our Lady of Hartley,  we have high academic ambition for all children. Our curriculum is designed to provide rich, varied and imaginative experiences that enthuse, engage and motivate children to learn and achieve highly.

High expectations for all, learning through high quality play and developing the whole child are the core values we share and promote every day. Children benefit from meaningful learning experiences across all seven areas of the Early Years curriculum, enabling them to make links in their learning and to the wider world.

There is a sharp focus on the prime areas of learning, including communication and language. A language rich environment and core texts are used as a key stimulus for learning and help support the development of vocabulary and language skills for all children. Talk For Writing is used regularly to immerse children in language and promote a love of reading and stories.

The teaching of phonics has a high priority in the Early Years. The Little Wandle scheme is used to ensure that phonics is taught systematically in order for children to build their knowledge and skills effectively.  Children are taught through discrete phonics lessons as well as having regular opportunities to explore phonic activities within the learning environment.    

The implementation of our Early Years curriculum and the care practices we have in place promote and support children’s emotional security and character development. The commitment to holistic development and a clear focus on the prime areas of learning enable children to develop social and emotionally, providing a strong foundation for learning later on in their schooling.

Development Matters 

At Our Lady of Hartley, Early Years practitioners use Development Matters to support the early learning of young children as part of daily observation, assessment and planning. It can also be used at points during the EYFS as a guide to making best-fit summative judgements.

The age/stage bands overlap because these are not fixed age boundaries but suggest a typical range of development. When using Development Matters it is however important to remember that babies, toddlers and young children develop at their own rates and in their own ways.

The EYFS development statements and their order are not necessary steps for every child and should not be used as checklists.

The Importance of Play in Early Years Development

At Our Lady of Hartley, we recognise that play is essential for a child's learning and development. Through play, children explore, imagine, and make sense of the world around them. It is through these meaningful and engaging experiences that children develop key skills such as problem-solving, creativity, resilience, and social understanding.

Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) team is dedicated to creating a rich, stimulating environment where every child can thrive. Carefully planned opportunities for play allow children to learn in ways that are enjoyable and developmentally appropriate. Adults play a vital role in this process by observing and joining in children's play, introducing new ideas, and engaging in high-quality conversations that extend their thinking and understanding.

To ensure that all children are happy, engaged, and making progress, we use the Leuven Scales for Well-Being and Involvement. These scales help us monitor how comfortable and secure children feel in our setting (well-being) and how deeply they are engaged in their learning (involvement). For example:

• Well-Being: A child with high well-being feels relaxed, confident, and safe to express themselves, showing signs of happiness and curiosity.
• Involvement: A child with high involvement is deeply focused on their activity, showing persistence, concentration, and a drive to explore and learn.
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Our use of the Leuven Scales allows us to identify children who may need additional support and adapt our environment and teaching to meet their needs. Whether it's through reorganising resources, planning targeted activities, or simply having a meaningful conversation, we work tirelessly to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and ready to succeed.