Click on the sections below to explore and learn more about the EYFS curriculum at St John the Baptist:
Lauran McGuigan – EYFS Lead
Rachael Hickman – Nursery Teacher
Zeba Tillat – Reception Teacher
Dative Nyirarukyndo – Teaching Assistant
Irum Anwar – Teaching Assistant
Katherine Boardman – Teaching Assistant
In the Early Years Foundation Stage at St John the Baptist RC Primary School, we focus on developing a ‘love of learning and playing together’, which are the first lines of our school Mission Statement. We continuously strive for our children to become independent, curious, creative and resilient learners who show respect for each other, their communities and the wider world. We believe in providing a secure foundation for future learning and development for our pupils, giving them the best possible start to their education in which Catholic values are fostered.
We have high expectations for all our children and encourage them to develop as confident learners with high aspirations, who know how to make a positive difference and succeed in an ever-changing world. We are passionate about recognising children’s talents and what makes them unique. We provide opportunities for children to discover their God-given talents and celebrate them within our school community.
At St John the Baptist RC, we take pride in our close-knit community and invite our families to come and participate in an activity in their children’s classroom each week. This helps us support and encourage open communication and active involvement in school life. We have loved to see the parental engagement across the unit and are looking forward to seeing the relationships grow as the children continue their journey in education with us.
We would like to thank you for considering St John the Baptist RC Primary School for your child’s education. We look forward to welcoming you into our school as you become part of our ‘One Family in Christ’
Holidays
Please inform us in writing of any term-time holidays. Please note that fees will still be payable for Nursery children.
The EYFS School Day
Doors Open at 8.35
Morning sessions 8.45 – 11.45am
Lunchtime in EYFS 11.45am
Afternoon sessions 12.15 – 3.15pm
School Uniform
Children are required to wear school uniform and the co-operation of parents is sought in maintaining high standards of dress.
It is of great help if all items of clothing are clearly marked with your child’s name.
EYFS Uniform
- White polo shirt
- Blue cardigan/Jumper with school logo attached.
- Charcoal Grey school trousers/skirt/pinafore
- Sensible black shoes
- Wellies to be kept in School
- Spare clothes – to be kept on your children’s peg
- Spare gloves and wellies are provided by school
Jewellery
- No earrings are to be worn, this is for the purposes of your child’s health and safety.
- A coat and their school bag each day
- A spare set of clothes in case of accidents
- Sunhat with sun cream applied in hot weather
- Hats and gloves in cold weather
*Please ensure all items of clothing are labelled with your child’s name
Nursery
- Children who attend a full day session in our Nursery will have their dinner in the dinner hall.
- Children who attend morning sessions will be collected from the classroom at 11.45
Reception
- Children will eat their dinner in the dinner hall alongside the Reception children. If your child is having a packed lunch, they will need a labelled lunch box, which will be kept in the classroom until lunchtime.
- Your children will be supported by Early Years staff and lunchtime supervisors throughout dinner times.
Throughout the year, both classes in EYFS share a ‘theme’, which comes to life in the environment and through the provision. The classes have 3 different texts for a half term, which are matched to the theme and are age-appropriate. The texts are carefully chosen to engage the children’s interest in reading and expand their vocabulary.
Collective Worship
EYFS engage in class Celebration of the Word every day. The pupil leadership responsibilities progress throughout the year, alongside the Altar progression. The children listen to stories from the Bible and reflect on what that means for them in their lives. We focus on our class ‘Woman of the Bible’ to guide us as we think of the qualities God has given us.
Provision
Basic provision – Inside and outside of both classrooms, there are key learning areas which are linked with the Development Matters curriculum. They have engaging resources that match the children’s interest and engage and stimulate their play.
Enhanced Provision – Inside and outside of both classrooms, the enhancements in each learning area support vocabulary development within each half term theme.
Indoor provision
Indoor provision is planned on a fortnightly basis where each area has a 3/4 activities that are changed each day for the children to build on their understanding and skills within the Learning Areas.
Please encourage your child to become as independent as possible in these last few months before September as this will help the settling in process.
Ways in which to prepare your child:
*Please note, if your child cannot do all of the following, please do not worry, just let us know.
- Going to the toilet, wiping themselves, flushing the toilet and washing/drying their hands independently
- Putting coats on and taking them off – fastening zips and buttons
- Recognising their own name
- Singing Nursery Rhymes
- Rhyming words
- Reading/sharing books and discussing characters/setting/main events
- Cutting skills
- Capital Letters only at start of name
- Encourage your child to walk to into school
- Please talk about school in a positive way
- Practise holding pens/pencils/crayons when mark-making
- Taking turns when playing a game or with toys
- Being able to use language to communicate their needs
Click here to explore Starting Reception, a helpful website for parents and carers preparing their children for the transition into primary school.
