EYFS
During our Early Years we have general themes that we follow to ensure every child gains the foundation in learning to prepare them for the rest of their learning journey.
At Mendell we follow Birth to Five Matters and Development Matters 2020 Revised September 2023 to inform our planning and assessment because these documents break the age ranges further to allow us to accurately identify gaps and provide support for every unique child’s development. EYFS staff use the ShREC Approach to engage with children during child-led learning to help develop communication and language skills and support children's personal, social and emotional development. We follow a whole school mastery approach to teaching and learning maths by following Power Maths planning from F2 - Y6. We teach phonics using a systematic approach from F2 following the Little Wandle planning. You can find information on how to help your child by clicking on the following link: https://www.littlewandle.org.uk/resources/for-parents/ ShREC Approach Information
In EYFS, at Mendell Primary School we plan writing using Drawing Club to develop all children's writing skills through:
Enhancing Creativity and Imagination:
• Drawing stimulates creativity, which is essential for imaginative writing.
• Children can translate the scenes and stories from their drawings into words.
Improving Fine Motor Skills:
- The physical act of drawing helps develop fine motor skills, crucial for handwriting.
Building Narrative Skills:
• Children often create stories with their drawings, which helps them understand narrative structure.
• Discussing their drawings encourages them to articulate their thoughts and ideas coherently.
Increasing Vocabulary:
• As children describe their drawings, they learn new words and phrases.
• Teachers can introduce relevant vocabulary during the sessions.
Encouraging Expression and Confidence:
• Drawing provides a non-verbal way to express ideas, which can then be translated into writing. • Sharing their drawings and stories builds confidence in expressing themselves.
Developing Sequencing Skills:
• Creating a sequence of drawings (a comic strip, for example) helps children understand the flow of a story.
• They can then practice writing about the sequence, improving their ability to organise thoughts logically.
Providing Context for Writing:
• Drawing gives a visual context that makes writing tasks more concrete and less abstract.
• Children are more likely to write enthusiastically about something they have created visually.
Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.
We want all children to develop their personalities, talents and abilities irrespective of ethnicity, culture or religion, home language, family background, learning difficulties, disabilities or gender. We plan continuous provision using Early Excellence planning throughout F2 and KS1 to ensure a smooth transition and progression. Enhanced provision in F2 is linked to the theme for that half term.
At Mendell Primary School we pride ourselves on providing quality learning experiences with a well-qualified, skilled staff who deliver the best possible outcomes for the children in our care.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school, and to developing a happy and successful partnership with you and your child.
For further information, please contact our EYFS lead Mrs Eason via the school office.
The lead governor for EYFS is Rev Jennie Gillies.