Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Welcome to EYFS
The Foundation Stage is part of Flimby Primary School, a vibrant village school at the heart of the community. We are proud of our caring, inclusive ethos and the strong relationships we build with our children and families. To see some of the exciting things we get up to, please visit our school Facebook page.
Our children are an absolute pleasure to work with, and our dedicated staff team are committed to providing engaging, fun and memorable learning experiences. We strive to ensure that every child feels safe, valued and supported to achieve their very best.
Meet the Team
Our Foundation Stage team consists of:
- Miss Pearce – EYFS Lead/Teacher
- Miss Maxwell – Learning Support Assistant
- Mrs Nasadiuk – Learning Support Assistant
Our Learning Environment
We have a large, well-equipped classroom with an additional teaching space that can be separated into two rooms for small-group learning when required.
Children also have access to:
- A conservatory area where they can enjoy painting, water play and messy activities.
- A spacious outdoor learning area that is continually developing to reflect children’s needs and interests.
- Outdoor learning opportunities throughout the day, whatever the weather.
Our Approach to Learning
At Flimby Primary School, we provide a high-quality, play-based curriculum that inspires children to explore, discover and develop a love of learning. Through carefully planned activities, engaging experiences and high-quality adult interactions, we support children to build their knowledge, extend their vocabulary and develop confidence as learners.
Our learning is organised around exciting half-termly topics that capture children’s interests and provide meaningful opportunities to learn across all areas of the curriculum. Topics help children make connections in their learning while exploring the world around them through stories, experiences, investigations and play.
We are committed to ensuring that every child feels happy, safe and valued within a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Through a balance of child-initiated play and adult-guided learning, we provide enriching experiences that support each child to reach their full potential.
Alongside our topic-based learning, we use a Planning in the Moment approach, allowing staff to respond to children’s interests, ideas and fascinations as they arise. This ensures that learning remains meaningful, engaging and responsive to individual children’s needs, while building on the skills and knowledge developed through our curriculum topics.
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) supports children’s learning and development from birth to five years old.
There are seven areas of learning and development:
Prime Areas
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Specific Areas
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Our curriculum provides opportunities for children to learn through a combination of play, exploration, first-hand experiences and adult-led teaching.
Focus Child Approach
We use a Focus Child approach to get to know each child’s learning and development in greater detail.
During your child’s Focus Child week, we will share observations, photographs and examples of their learning with you throughout the week, allowing you to celebrate their achievements and gain an insight into their experiences at school.
Seesaw
We use Seesaw to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Through the app, staff can share observations and activities, and families can upload photographs, videos and examples of learning from home.
Uniform
Children should wear:
- White polo shirt
- Grey or black skirt, pinafore, trousers or shorts
- Royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan
- Summer dress (optional during warmer weather)
- Sensible black shoes (Velcro fastenings are recommended)
Please also provide:
- A water bottle containing water
- A book bag
- Wellington boots for outdoor learning
- A spare set of clothes in case of accidents or water play
- A coat every day
Please note:
- Stud earrings only
- No other jewellery
- Please name all clothing and belongings, including shoes
- Nursery children do not need a PE kit
School uniform order forms are available from the school office.
Registration
Nursery children are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week.
Session Times
15 Hour Nursery
- 8.45am – 11.45am
30 Hour Provision
- 8.45am – 3.15pm
The EYFS entrance opens at 8.45am, where a member of the Foundation Stage team will welcome children into the classroom.
Children are encouraged to develop their independence by finding their peg and putting away their belongings before starting the day.
They will then self-register by finding their name and photograph and placing it on our registration board. This helps children become familiar with daily routines and build independence and confidence.
Staff are always available to support children as they settle into their day.
Children arriving after the door has closed should enter through the main school office and be signed in.
Wraparound Care
All Nursery children are welcome to stay for lunch and join us for the afternoon session.
If you would like your child to stay, please book their place in advance using the SCOPAY app.
Charges
- Lunch: £1.90
- Stay until 12.45pm: £5.00
- Stay until 3.15pm: £12.50
Please visit the school website to view the current lunch menu.
Snack Time
We provide fresh fruit, milk and water every day for children to enjoy during snack time. If you would like your child to receive milk, please ensure they are registered.
We also enjoy a weekly special snack linked to celebrations, seasonal events, topics and children’s interests. Children are encouraged to take an active role in choosing, preparing and tidying away snack, helping to develop their independence, responsibility and confidence.
Visits to Our School
We are always delighted to welcome families to our school.
A visit is a wonderful opportunity to see our learning environment, meet our staff and find out more about life in EYFS at Flimby Primary School.
If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact the school office to make an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and showing you around.
Cumbria County Council provides 30 hours’ childcare entitlement. Further information can be found here:
30 hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds – step by step guide
