Nursery Foundation Stage 1
To stay up to date with our learning in Foundation Stage, please visit our school blog.
Meet our Foundation Stage Team:
Miss Barber
Mrs Bennett
Mrs Boon
Ms Macardo
Mrs Islam
Mrs Dale
Miss Barber is the teacher in our Foundation Stage.
Our Foundation Stage Curriculum Goals:
Our Foundation Stage:
The daily routine is very important in the Foundation Stage as the children need the security of knowing what they are doing when. As such it is important that children arrive on time.
Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) sessions are for children aged 2 to 4.
The morning session starts at 9.00am and runs until 12.00 noon. Lunchtime provision is available from 12.00 noon till 1.00pm where lunch isprovided at a cost, or you can send in a packed lunch.
The afternoon session starts at 1.00pm and runs until 4.00pm. Full days run from 9.00am till 3.00pm if you are using funded hours for lunch times, or 9.00am – 4.00pm if you choose to fund the additional hour.
Our sessions are divided into different periods; each one is intended to develop a particular set of skills. The children will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. We shall be developing a skills based curriculum divided into the prime and specific areas of learning:
PRIME AREAS:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development
Communication and Language
SPECIFIC AREAS:
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
Throughout the year we will be covering a range of small topics, which allow us to respond to the children’s interests. The topics will
be cross-curricular and all aspects of the EYFS Curriculum will be incorporated. See the Term information below.
As part of our Foundation Stage your child will benefit from being together as one at times. There will be a good ratio of adults to children working in the Foundation Stage team, providing greater learning opportunities for your child. Our younger children will enjoy the free flow learning experience and our older children will have greater opportunities to extend and broaden their learning. This is known as child initiated learning.
A number of activities will be teacher led within the Foundation Stage such as phonics, literacy and numeracy activities. This will enable children to become effective, motivated learners, providing them with the flexibility and fluidity, therefore meeting the needs of each pupil within the Foundation Stage.
Working as a Foundation Stage provides the children with more space in an indoor and outdoor learning environment that will respond to the individual needs of our children.
Remember that the most important and precious gift you can give your child is your TIME. It’s not always easy within family life – but it is vital!! Remember children need to enjoy what they are doing and respond well to praise and encouragement.
Home and school is a partnership and working together we can develop the unique abilities of your child.
Clothing & Jewellery:
Foundation Stage 1 children can wear our school nursery aged uniform.
Please take into consideration we spend a lot of our time outside and ‘getting messy’ – please ensure that children are dressed appropriately
for this.
Jewellery should not be worn in school as it can be dangerous and is often lost.
The children go out to play everyday and we would be grateful if they could bring in a Water-proof jacket (when the weather gets colder they
will also need gloves, and a hat) since outdoor learning continues whatever the weather!
Please ensure all items of your child’s clothing are clearly named.
Parents As Partners:
To help keep you up to date with Foundation Stage news, and dates for your diaries we provide Parent as Partners leaflets termly, and weekly
school newsletters. We have an open door policy within our Foundation Stage, if you have any worries, concerns or celebrations and would like
to speak to a member of our Foundation Stage team please make an appointment.
Stay and Play events are also delivered on a half termly basis.
Autumn Term
I wonder what is
about…
All the staff at Marlfields Foundation Stage hope that you have had a fun filled, safe and enjoyable summer. At the beginning of this Autumn Term, I would like to give you all a very warm welcome to Marlfields Foundation Stage.
We look forward to getting to know your children, and building on their learning opportunities and experiences.
During the next few months, we are undoubtedly going to experience mixed weather and our fair share of unpleasant weather. It is most important that you remember to provide a waterproof jacket with a hood for your child so that they can make use of our wonderful outdoor areas.
We will be continuing to learn through topics of interest to your child. We will be sending a postcard home with your child, which you can fill in with your child, to send in information relating to your child’s interests from which we can build our planned topics.
Please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s key worker if you have any concerns, questions, or celebrations regarding your child.
Dates for your diary:
Tuesday & Friday – Our PE sessions.
Forest Friday – Our Forest school session in the school woods. All waterproof suits and wellington boots are provided.
At Marlfields Foundation Stage we follow the NEW Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum which is split into 7 curriculum areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding of the World; and Expressive Arts and Design.
The information below will outline some of the key skills we will be looking at during this term whilst also building on your child’s interests and experiences.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We will be working hard to settle the new children who have joined us into the setting. We will be focusing on working as a whole group,
turn taking, sharing and building friendships through our key worker group activities. FS1 children will be working towards selecting and
using activities and resources; showing confidence in asking adults for help; and beginning to accept the needs of others. FS2 children
will be working towards to speak to others about their own needs, wants, interests and opinions; becoming aware of the boundaries set, and
of behavioural expectations in the setting; and making conversations with others, asking questions.
Communication and Language
We will be working hard to improve our speaking and listening skills in both our small key worker group activities and whole class circle
times. The FS 1 children will be aiming to follow directions and simple instructions; listening to others and listening to stories with
increasing attention or sharing news to recall past experiences. The FS2 children will be aiming to maintain concentration during an
activity; responding to instructions; to follow a story without pictures; and using language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play.
Physical Development
We will be using a variety of opportunities and experiences to develop children’s confidence and awareness of space using our wonderful
outdoor areas. We provide opportunities for children in FS1 to try out a variety of ways to move skillfully and negotiate space successfully;
explore and experiment drawing lines and circles using gross motor movements; and become independent with self-care e.g. washing hands and going to the toilet independently. We aim for children in FS2 to experiment with gross motor movements for example trying out different
ways of moving. As well as fine motor movements for example, handling tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with
increasing control, showing a preference for a dominant hand, and holding a pencil correctly.
Literacy
Literacy incorporates reading and writing skills in a variety of fun,exciting and sometimes messy activities! The FS1 children will begin
to explorerhyme and rhythm in words, stories and poems; building an interest in books and becoming confident mark makers, ascribing meaning to marks they make. The FS2 children will begin to link sounds to letters, allowing children to read words; experiencing an increasing
range of books; writing their own names and forming letters of the alphabet correctly.
Mathematics
In the Foundation Stage we will be practicing and using our mathematical skills in familiar contexts (e.g. role-play, construction,
sand, play dough etc.) to give us meaning to numbers and counting. FS1 children will be working towards using number names accurately in
play; beginning to represent numbers using fingers; showing an interest in numerals in the environment, and exploring shape. FS2 children will
be working towards recognising and forming numbers to 10; in practical activities, beginning to use the vocabulary involved in adding and
subtracting; and beginning to explore shape, space, and measure.
Understanding of the World
We will be building upon children’s interests and experiences, developing their curiosity and interest of their surroundings. The FS1
children will be developing an interest in the lives of people who are familiar to them and developing an understanding of growth and
changes over time. The FS2 children will be looking closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change, and learning about
family customs and routines.
Expressive Arts and Design
This term we will positively encourage children’s creative development through a range of media experiences such as paint, clay,
song, dance, music and role-play experiences. We aim for the FS1 children to explore a variety of construction pieces and tools; engage
in imaginative role-play; and experience a variety of music and songs to respond to using feelings and movements. We aim for the FS2
children to explore colour and what happens when they mix colour; experiment to create different textures; manipulate and use a variety of tools and techniques; explore music and songs; and play alongside other children who are engaged in the same theme.
Spring Term
Wheels, Wings, and Other Things!
We have had a brilliant start to our Spring term in the Foundation Stage, all the children have really settled into the routines! We give a warm welcome to the new children who have joined us in FS1, and we hope you are settling in. During the next few months we are undoubtedly going to experience our fair share of unpleasant weather, it is most important that you remember to provide a waterproof jacket and warm clothes for your child so that they can make use of our wonderful outdoor areas.We will be continuing to learn through topics of interest to your child. We shall be sending a postcard home with your child which you can fill in with your child, to send in information relating to your child’s interests from which we can build our planned topics.
Please don’t hesitate to speak to us if you have any concerns, questions, or celebrations regarding your child.
At Marlfields Foundation Stage we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum which is split into 7 curriculum areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design.The information below will outline some of the key skills we will be looking at during this term whilst also building on your child’s interests and experiences.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We will be focusing upon working as a whole group, turn taking and building friendships. FS1 children will be working towards playing in a group, extending and elaborating play ideas, and developing children’s confidence in play, and communication. FS2 children will be working towards explaining own knowledge and understanding, and asking appropriate questions to become more independent learners.
Communication and Language
We will be working hard to improve our speaking and listening skills in both our small key worker group activities and whole class circle
times. The FS1 children will be aiming to listen to one another and participate with stories, rhymes, and songs. The FS2 children will be aiming to develop their attention span, and responding to two part instructions through interactive games and activities.
Physical Development
We will be using a variety of opportunities and experiences to develop children’s confidence and awareness of space using our wonderful outdoor areas. We provide opportunities for children in FS1 to try out a variety of ways to move skilfully and negotiate space successfully; developing fine motor skills to build up confidence in mark making and beginning to write their own name; and becoming more independent with self-care e.g. washing hands and going to the toilet independently. We aim for children in FS2 to experiment with gross motor movements for example trying out different ways of moving with control in Gymnastics. As well as fine motor movements for example, improving their pencil control to form recognisable letters and words.
Literacy
Literacy incorporates reading and writing skills in a variety of fun, exciting and sometimes messy activities! The FS1 children will begin to explore rhyme and rhythm in words, stories and poems and becoming confident mark makers, by beginning to ascribe meaning to marks they make through mark making and name writing. The FS2 children will be developing their reading skills; segmenting and blending sounds to read words, and attempting to write sentences in meaningful contexts.
Mathematics
In the Foundation Stage we will be practicing and using our mathematical skills in familiar contexts (e.g. role play, construction, sand, play dough etc.) to give us meaning to numbers and counting. FS1 children will be working towards using number names accurately and spontaneously through recognising numbers in the environment. As well as developing their colour and shape recognition. FS2 children will be developing their number recognition and formation with numbers to 10 or higher. The children will be participating in practical activities to develop their understanding of addition and subtraction, along with using mathematical names for 2D and 3D shapes.
Understanding the World
We will be building upon children’s interests and experiences, developing their curiosity and interest of their surroundings. The FS1 children will be developing an interest in the wider world and environment, showing care and concern for living things. The FS2 children will be making observations of animals and plants and explaining why some things occur as well as talking about changes.
Expressive Arts and Design
This term we will positively encourage children’s creative development through a range of media experiences such as paint, clay, song, dance, music and role play experiences. We aim for the FS1 children to explore a variety of construction pieces and tools; engage in imaginative role play; and experience a variety of music and songs to respond to using feelings and movements. We aim for the FS2 children to explore colour and what happens when they mix colour; experiment to create different textures; manipulate and use a variety of tools and techniques; explore music and songs; and play alongside other children who are engaged in the same theme through role play situations.
Summer Term
I wonder what is out of this world…
We hope that you have had a fun filled and enjoyable Easter break. We intend to continue to build your child’s learning opportunities and experiences during this final term of the year, while preparing your child for their transition, whether it is from FS2 into Year 1 or FS1 into FS2. During the next few months we are undoubtedly going to continue to experience unpredictable weather, it is most important that you remember to provide a waterproof jacket and warm clothes for your child so that they can make use of our wonderful outdoor areas. In the hopeful event of sunny weather, please ensure your child comes with a sunhat and you have applied sun cream. We will be continuing to learn through topics of interest to your child. We shall be sending out a postcard, which you can fill in with your child, to send in information relating to your child’s interests from which we can build our planned topics. Please don’t hesitate to speak to us if you have any concerns, questions, or celebrations regarding your child. The information below outlines the key skills we will be looking at during this term.
Our topic of “I wonder what it out of this world” is going to begin based around the Kings Coronation!
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We will be focusing upon working as a whole group, turn taking and building friendships. FS1 children will be working towards playing in a group, extending and elaborating play ideas, and developing children’s confidence in play, and communication. FS2 children will be working towards explaining own knowledge and understanding, and asking appropriate questions to become more independent learners in preparation for the transition into Year 1.
Communication and Language
We will be working hard to improve our speaking and listening skills in both our small group activities and whole class circle times. The FS 1 children will be aiming to listen to one another and participate with stories, rhymes, and songs. The FS2 children will be aiming to develop their ability to discuss stories, thinking about ‘why’ and ‘how’ ideas and events happen.
Physical Development
We will be using a variety of opportunities and experiences to develop children’s confidence and awareness of space using our wonderful outdoor areas. We provide opportunities for children in FS1 to try out a variety of ways to move skilfully and negotiate space successfully; developing fine motor skills to build up confidence in mark making and beginning to write their own name independently. We aim for children in FS2 to experiment with gross motor movements for example trying out different ways of moving with control in Games. As well as fine motor movements for example, improving their handwriting style, accuracy and fluency.
Literacy
Literacy incorporates reading and writing skills in a variety of fun, exciting and sometimes messy activities! The FS1 children will begin to explore repetition of rhyme and rhythm in words, stories and poems and becoming confident mark makers, by ascribing meaning to marks they make through mark making. The FS2 children will be continuing to develop their reading skills; segmenting and blending sounds to read words, and attempting to write sentences in meaningful contexts using their phonetic knowledge and correct punctuation.
Mathematics
In the Foundation Stage we will be practicing and using our mathematical skills in familiar contexts (e.g. role play, construction, sand, play dough etc.) to give us meaning to numbers, counting and problem solving. FS1 children will be working towards using number names accurately and working on number formation. FS2 children will be participating in practical activities to develop their understanding of mechanics and language related to addition and subtraction, beginning to solve problems using their own mathematical knowledge and understanding. They will begin to use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time, and money for comparisons.
Understanding of the World
We will be building upon children’s interests and experiences, developing their curiosity and interest in the outdoor environment. The FS1 children will use all of their senses in hands-on exploration of natural materials. Talking about what they see, using a wide vocabulary. To know that there are different countries in the world and talk about the differences they have experienced or seen in photos. The FS2 children will be exploring the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants. Knowing some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what they have read in class. Explaining some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries.
Expressive Arts and Design
This term we will positively encourage children’s creative development through a range of media experiences such as paint, clay, song, dance, music and role play experiences. We aim for the FS1 children to explore a variety of music and songs and how they can be changed. FS2 children will sing songs, make music, and dance, and experiment with ways of changing them, creating their own ideas. They safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.
Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) Links
Here are some useful links for parent guides and ideas to help your child’s learning and development at home:
First day at Nursery
Learning through play
Child development: your 3 and 4 year old
Why should children play outside?
Potty training
Nursery Rhymes
Bedtime Stories
