We understand that children learn best when they are absorbed, interested and active. We understand that active learning involves other children, adults, objects, ideas, stimuli and events that aim to engage and involve children for sustained periods. We believe that Early Years education should be as practical as possible and therefore, we are proud that our EYFS setting has an underlying ethos of Learning through play. PLAY is essential for children’s development across all areas. Play builds on children’s confidence as they learn to explore, to relate to others around them and develop relationships , set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play and by taking part in play which is guided by adults.  As an EYFS team we will provide high quality interactions to develop and deepen the children’s learning opportunities.

At Cathedral Primary School, we deliver our curriculum through a balance of adult led and child-initiated activities based on the EYFS Framework 21’ & our children’s interests. Within the Framework there are four guiding principles which shape our practice. These are: 

1. Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.
2. Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
3. Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with responsive teaching and support from adults, who cater to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and carers.
4. Children develop and learn at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Click here to read our EYFS Triple I statement

Our EYFS Curriculum outlines:

• how Reception topics are planned over the year
• how the 7 areas of learning are mapped together into those termly topics
• the Early Learning Goal (endpoints) of the EYFS curriculum
• our literacy spine and how texts are used throughout the year
• how our school values are taught during the year 

Please click here to see the Reception Curriculum 2023-2024 

We understand that starting school is a time of change and can be a source of both excitement and anxiety for children and for their parents/carers. Positive transitions are vital for all children’s emotional well being and achievement. Below are some of the ways we support children, parents and carers starting at Cathedral Primary School:

• Induction Evening held in the Summer Term 
• Parent Information packs
• Child Induction Booklets
• Phased Entry Settling period in September
• Stay & Play and Story Time events before school starts
• Home visits in the Summer and Autumn Term

In order to support us further with your child's start at Cathedral Primary School and to encourage them to really look forward to starting please refer to this document created by Bristol Early Years.

Below are some books that you can read with your child to help them with the idea of starting at a new school:

We use a visual timetable at school so the children know what is happening throughout the school day. Below is a simple example of what this may look like in their class in September:

For more information about learning that occurs in EYFS please have a look at the Reception Class page here.

Here are some top tips for supporting with Communication and Language at Home:

Speech and Language Top Tips for Talking

Out and About Times are Talking Times