EYFS Unit

Our Early Years is setup as a unit with children from 3-5 years old accessing our inspiring learning environment which consists of 6 learning zones: a creative space, an outdoor construction zone and an area for outdoor physical development.  Our learning environment follows the Curiosity Approach and the learning environment is inspired by aspects of the Reggio Emilio and Early Excellence approaches which both encourage the use of natural resources and calm colours. Following aspects of these approaches, the learning environment is intended to be the third teacher and should be aesthetically pleasing with purposeful, real-life resources, giving the children opportunities to learn and grow in their own way.

Our aim is to support our children to develop into creative, independent learners through meaningful adult interactions, sparking curiosity and inspiring imagination through their play.

To find out more, call 01937 832899 or email schooloffice@rs.starmat.uk

What we learn and how we learn

Download the EYFS framework from the DFE here. This is the basis of our curriculum, informing us what the children should be learning in Early Years nationally. We have generic plans for the year with generic themes, topics and book links which we adapt each week according to interests and needs. Each week we have a book that forms the basis for our reading and writing as well as some of the activities that the children can explore as part of their learning. 

The children in F2 are given weekly challenges to ensure they access all 6 areas of the unit with the support of high quality adult-led interactions we can ensure the children are developing as independent and curios learners.

We also refer to Development Matters, a document produced by the DfE to guide practitioners about how to help our children meet their developmental needs according to the EYFS Framework. 

Staff in the team are highly skilled and experience to meet the needs of all our children. Children with any additional needs are given additional support to ensure we can meet their specific needs. This includes speech and language interventions, physical development support, communication and interaction development through wellbeing sessions and support from NYCC SEND teams for more specific needs. If you want to find out more about how we can support your child, contact our Inclusion Manager via the school office schooloffice@rs.starmat.uk .

Have you ever wondered how we know our children are making progress in Early Years?

This document is a really useful visual to show progression in areas such as mark making (early writing).

Riverside Progression EYFS.pdf

Stay and Play Sessions. 

We welcome visits into our EYFS Unit. Contact the school office to arrange a tour.

We will also be opening our doors for stay and play sessions every half term. 

The dates for 2023/2024 are:

Key documents