our curriculum intent
At Birstall Pre School, we aim to provide a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring early years environment where every child feels confident, secure and valued as an individual. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, happy and emotionally supported, and we place a strong emphasis on developing children's self belief, resilience and independence form the very start.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all children are meeting, or are on track to meet the prime areas of learning, Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional development. These foundations underpin everything we do and are carefully woven through our daily routines, interactions and learning experiences.
We promote independence and self care skills through everyday opportunities, such as self serve mealtimes, where children are encourages to make choices, serve themselves, and develop confidence in managing their own needs. Our environment supports a strong culture of choice and democracy, empowering children to have a voice in their setting, for example, through shared decision making such as choosing room names and contributing ideas to their learning environment.
Planning is rooted in a deep understanding of each child. We carefully observe and assess children's stages of development, interests and next steps, using this knowledge to plan meaningful experiences. Alongside this we place a great value on in the moment planning allowing practitioners to follow children's curiosity, capture their imagination, and skilfully scaffold learning through high quality interactions.
We actively promote self confidence and self expression, using spaces such as "The Stage" area to encourage performance, role play, storytelling and shared experience that help children's develop belief in their abilities.
Strong parent partnerships are central to our practice. We work closely with families to share information's, celebrate achievements and ensure we have a complete understanding of each child. This collaborative approach helps us provide consistent care and learning, ensuring the best possible outcome for every child.
In the baby room, we work especially closely with parents to support smooth transitions and individual routines. Planning is focused on sensory exploration, secure attachments and early communication, while gently preparing children for the next stage of their journey into the 2-3 room.
We follow START programme to ensure children are well prepared for the transition to school. Our curriculum supports children to develop the key skills, confidence and independence they need to be school ready, giving them the very best start in life.
Alongside learning and development, we uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, health and safety, inclusion and wellbeing. We provide consistent routines, positive behaviour support, and a caring environment where every child is respected, supported and encouraged to thrive.
Our Early Years curriculum is designed to give every child the ‘Best Possible Start’ in life.
It is rooted in the EYFS framework and shaped by our knowledge of child development, our children’s starting points, and the community we serve.
Our intent is to provide a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that enables all children – particularly disadvantaged children and SEND – to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to succeed, both now and in the future.
We aim to:
· Support children to become confident, resilient and independent learners
· Foster a love of learning through purposeful play and meaningful experiences
· Develop strong communication and language skills as the foundation for all learning
· Promote positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, and self-regulation
· Encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking
Our curriculum is underpinned by three prime areas of learning – Communication and language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development – recognising these as essential foundations for success across the four specific areas:
· Literacy
· Mathematics
· Understanding Knowledge of the world
· Expressive Arts and Design
We place high importance on:
Oracy and vocabulary development, particularly or children with limited/delayed language experiences
Early reading, including phonological awareness and a love of stories, rhymes and books
Mathematical thinking, through practical, real-life experiences
Cultural capital, ensuring children are exposed to experiences, knowledge and language that broaden their understanding of the world beyond their immediate environment
Our curriculum is inclusive and responsive, building on children’s interest while ensuring progression towards the transition to school, embedding the start programme.
Through strong partnerships with parents and carers, we ensure learning is meaningful, consistent and supports children to thrive.
what is the eyfs?
The EYFS, or Early Years Foundation Stage, is the framework used in the UK to support the learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5 years old. It’s what all registered childcare providers – such as nurseries, childminders, and reception classes – follow to make sure every child gets the best possible start in life.
Here’s a simple breakdown for parents:
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Purpose of the EYFS
The EYFS helps children get ready for school and ensures they have the skills and confidence they need to succeed. It focuses on both learning and wellbeing, making sure children feel safe, valued, and supported as they grow.
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The Four Key Principles
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Every child is unique – Each child develops at their own pace and has different strengths.
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Positive relationships – Children learn best when they have strong, caring relationships with adults.
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Enabling environments – A safe, stimulating environment supports exploration and learning.
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Learning and development – The EYFS covers different areas of learning that are important for a child’s overall development.
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Areas of Learning and Development
There are seven areas in total:
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Prime areas (most important for early development):
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Communication and Language
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Physical Development
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Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
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Specific areas (which build on the prime ones):
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Literacy
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Mathematics
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Understanding the World
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Expressive Arts and Design
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How It Works
Practitioners use play-based activities to help children learn. They observe and assess each child’s progress to understand their needs and plan next steps. Parents are encouraged to be part of this process, sharing insights and supporting learning at home.
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Why It Matters
The EYFS ensures consistency and high quality across early years settings. It gives children the best chance at developing curiosity, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning.