At Temple Sowerby CE Primary School, we recognise that strong communication and language skills are the foundation for all learning. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we place great importance on helping children develop the confidence and ability to express themselves, understand others and enjoy language in all its forms.

We provide a language-rich environment where children are encouraged to talk, listen and take part in meaningful conversations throughout the day. Our staff model correct language, introduce new vocabulary and ask open-ended questions to extend children’s thinking and encourage them to express their ideas clearly.

How We Support Communication and Language

We support children’s development in communication and language through a wide range of engaging activities and experiences, including:

• Daily storytelling, songs, rhymes and role play

• Small group and one-to-one conversations to support speaking and listening

• Opportunities for children to share experiences and ideas through show and tell and sharing news

• A welcoming and talk-rich classroom environment

• Visual prompts and props to support understanding and communication

• Targeted support for children who need extra help with speech and language development

Children are encouraged to listen to others, follow instructions and respond appropriately in a range of situations. We also build children’s confidence to speak in front of others and take turns in conversations.

Working with Parents and Specialists

We work closely with parents and carers to support children’s communication skills at home and school. If there are any concerns, from home or school, about a child’s speech or language development, we work with appropriate professionals to ensure children receive early support.

Our Aim

Our aim is for every child to become a confident communicator who can express their thoughts, needs and feelings effectively. We believe that by fostering strong communication and language skills in the early years, children are well prepared for future learning and success.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) in the EYFS

At Temple Sowerby CE Priamry School, we place great importance on children’s personal, social and emotional development as it underpins all aspects of learning and wellbeing. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we aim to help children develop confidence, independence, resilience and positive relationships.

We create a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued and supported. Our staff build strong, trusting relationships with children, which helps them feel confident to explore, communicate and learn.

How We Support PSED

We promote children’s social and emotional development through daily routines and planned activities, including:

• Encouraging positive relationships and friendships

• Teaching children how to share, take turns and cooperate

• Providing opportunities for children to express their feelings and develop empathy

• Supporting independence through self-care routines

• Helping children develop self-confidence and a positive self-image

• Using praise and encouragement to build self-esteem

• Offering calm, supportive guidance to manage emotions and behaviour

Children are encouraged to talk about their feelings and learn strategies to manage emotions such as frustration, sadness or excitement.

Behaviour and Emotional Support

We promote positive behaviour through clear expectations, consistent routines and adult role modelling. Children are supported to understand right and wrong and to resolve conflicts in a caring and respectful way.

Working in Partnership with Parents

We believe parents and carers play a vital role in supporting children’s development. We work closely with families, sharing information regularly and offering guidance where needed to ensure consistency between home and school.

Our Aim

Our aim is for children to become happy, confident and resilient learners who are able to form positive relationships and manage their feelings appropriately. We believe that strong personal, social and emotional development provides the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Physical Development in the EYFS

At Temple Sowerby CE Primary School, we understand that physical development is essential to children’s overall growth, wellbeing and learning. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we give children many opportunities to be active, develop coordination and build confidence in movement, helping to establish healthy habits for life.

We provide a safe, stimulating environment where children can develop both fine and gross motor skills through structured activities and free play. Our staff carefully plan experiences that develop strength, balance, control and independence.

How We Support Physical Development

Children take part in a wide range of physical activities both indoors and outdoors, including:

• Daily outdoor play and access to climbing and balancing and regular access to riding equipment

• Physical education sessions to develop coordination, agility and teamwork

• Fine motor activities such as cutting, drawing, threading and using tools

• Dough disco and finger-strengthening activities

• Action songs and movement games

• Opportunities for independence such as dressing themselves and managing personal care

We encourage children to take safe risks and challenge themselves in a supportive environment, helping to develop confidence and resilience.

Health and Self-Care

Children are taught the importance of healthy choices, including nutrition, hygiene and exercise. We promote:

• Handwashing routines and personal hygiene

• Healthy eating choices and awareness

• Independence in toileting and dressing

• Understanding how physical activity keeps our bodies healthy

Our Aim

Our aim is for children to become confident, capable and physically active learners. By developing strong physical skills in the early years, children build the foundations needed for writing, independence and long-term wellbeing.

Literacy in the EYFS 

At Temple Sowerby CE Primary School, we believe that a love of reading and writing begins in the early years. In Nursery and Reception, we focus on developing children’s communication, early reading and writing skills in a fun, engaging and meaningful way.

We provide a language-rich environment where children are encouraged to explore books, sounds and marks through play and structured activities. Our approach ensures every child is supported to develop confidence in reading and writing at their own pace.

How We Support Literacy

We support children’s literacy development through a variety of exciting and carefully planned activities, including:

• Daily story time and shared reading

• Exposure to a wide range of quality books and texts

• Songs, rhymes and storytelling to develop language and listening skills

• Phonics teaching through Little Wandle structured daily sessions

• Reading in small groups and individually

• Opportunities to mark-make through drawing, painting and early writing

• Role play and writing activities linked to children’s interests

Phonics and Early Reading

Children begin learning phonics through daily Little Wandle sessions which teach them letter sounds, blending and segmenting. This helps children to:

• Recognise sounds and letters

• Build early reading skills

• Develop confidence in decoding words

• Begin to write letters and simple words

We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised as our phonics programme to teach children to hear, say, recognise, write, blend and segment sounds from Phase 2 and 3. Phonics inputs are delivered as a whole cohort input. If any children are finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of whole cohort teaching and/or are struggling to orally blend sounds they are supported through small group and 1:1 ‘keep up’ sessions on a daily basis. We regularly assess children so that we are able to quickly identity any gaps in their learning and we then support them appropriately. Once the children can orally blend sounds they take part in three reading sessions a week. They read books that are fully decodable, relevant to their phonic ability, so they experience early reading success and gain confidence that they are readers.

Writing in the Early Years

Children are encouraged to explore writing in a relaxed and meaningful way. Activities include:

• Writing labels, lists and messages

• Encouraging correct pencil grip

• Learning to form letters correctly

• Building independence and confidence in writing

• Writing linked to books of a particular interest, using exciting 'hooks'

Mark-making is celebrated as an important step towards writing, and children are encouraged to express their ideas freely.

Supporting Individual Needs

We understand that children develop at different rates and provide targeted support where needed. We work closely with parents and specialists, when needed, to ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed.

Our Aim

Our aim is for every child to leave Reception with a strong foundation in reading and writing and a love of books. We aim to create confident, capable readers and writers who are ready for the next stage of their learning journey.

Mathematics in the EYFS 

At Temple Sowerby CE Primary School, we believe that early mathematics is essential in developing children’s problem-solving skills, confidence and understanding of the world. In Nursery and Reception, we create a positive approach to mathematics where children enjoy exploring numbers, patterns and shapes through practical, engaging activities.

We provide a rich learning environment that supports children to develop early mathematical understanding through play, discussion and structured learning.

How We Support Mathematics

Children develop their mathematical skills through a range of carefully planned activities, including:

• Daily number songs, rhymes and counting games

• Hands-on activities using real objects and resources

• Exploring numbers through play such as role play shops, construction and sand and water play

• Matching, sorting and grouping objects

• Recognising numbers and beginning to count with accuracy

• Talking about shapes, space and measures in everyday situations

• Encouraging problem-solving through activities and challenges

Number Development

We help children gain a solid understanding of numbers by:

• Developing counting skills and number recognition

• Exploring one more and one less

• Introducing early addition and subtraction through play

• Understanding quantity and comparison (more, less, same)

• Recognising numerals and linking them to amounts

Shape, Space and Measure

Children are provided with opportunities to:

• Explore 2D and 3D shapes

• Learn positional language (under, behind, next to)

• Measure using non-standard units

• Compare height, length and weight

• Understand time through daily routines

Supporting Individual Needs

We recognise that children develop at different rates and provide additional support, when needed. Staff closely observe progress and offer targeted interventions where appropriate, working with parents to support learning at home.

Our Aim

Our aim is for children to develop a strong foundation in mathematics and a curiosity for learning. We strive to create confident learners who enjoy exploring mathematical concepts and applying them in everyday life.

Understanding the World in the EYFS

At Temple Sowerby CE Primary School, we believe that developing children’s understanding of the world is essential in fostering curiosity, knowledge, and respect for the environment and people around them. In Nursery and Reception, children are encouraged to explore, investigate, and make sense of their surroundings through hands-on experiences and meaningful play.

We provide a stimulating environment where children can learn about people, communities, the natural world, and technology, helping them build connections between their learning and everyday life.

How We Support Understanding the World

Children develop their knowledge and understanding through a variety of activities, including:

• Exploring nature and the environment through outdoor play, gardening, and observing seasonal changes

• Learning about different people, cultures, traditions, and communities

• Investigating materials, objects, and living things to understand how they work

• Using technology safely, including computers, tablets, cameras, and interactive resources

• Engaging in science, history, and geography-based activities through play and experimentation

• Participating in themed projects and visits to enhance learning experiences

People and Communities

We help children develop an awareness of themselves and others by:

• Encouraging conversations about families, friends, and community roles

• Celebrating cultural diversity and special events

• Promoting empathy and respect for others

The Natural World

Children are supported to explore the environment by:

• Observing plants, animals, and seasonal changes

• Learning about life cycles and growth

• Discussing care for the environment and sustainability

Supporting Individual Needs

We recognise that children develop understanding at different rates. Staff provide targeted support and encourage curiosity at each child’s level. We also work closely with families to extend learning at home and support individual interests.

Our Aim

Our aim is for children to become confident, curious learners who understand the world around them and their place in it. By fostering exploration and investigation in the early years, we help children develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will support lifelong learning.

Expressive Arts and Design in the EYFS (Nursery and Reception)

At Temple Sowerby CE Primary School, we believe that creativity is at the heart of learning. In Nursery and Reception, we provide children with opportunities to explore and express themselves through a wide range of artistic and imaginative activities. Our aim is to nurture creativity, confidence, and a love of the arts from an early age.

We offer a stimulating environment where children can experiment, explore, and develop their skills in art, music, dance, role-play, and design. Creativity is embedded across all areas of learning, allowing children to express their ideas and imagination freely.

How We Support Expressive Arts and Design

Children develop their creative skills through a variety of engaging activities, including:

• Drawing, painting, sculpture, and craft activities using a range of materials and techniques

• Music, singing, movement, and rhythm activities to develop listening and performance skills

• Role play and imaginative play to explore ideas, stories, and different roles

• Designing and building using construction kits, recycled materials, and natural resources

• Encouraging self-expression through storytelling and drama

• Celebrating children’s artwork and performances to build confidence and pride

Developing Skills and Confidence

We encourage children to:

• Experiment with different materials and media

• Explore colour, texture, shape, and form

• Listen, respond to, and create music and sounds

• Use imagination to develop stories, characters, and scenarios

• Work independently and collaboratively on creative projects

Supporting Individual Needs

We recognise that children have different abilities and interests. Staff provide guidance and encouragement, ensuring all children can explore creative activities at their own pace. We also work with parents to extend children’s creativity beyond the classroom.

Our Aim

Our aim is for children to develop confidence, imagination, and self-expression through creative play and artistic experiences. By fostering expressive arts and design in the early years, we help children build skills, curiosity, and creativity that will support their learning and development throughout school and beyond.