Welcome to Your Child’s First Year at Meynell Primary

At Meynell Primary School, we want every child to feel excited, supported, and inspired as they learn and grow. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and nurture a love of learning that lasts. We help children develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding they need to become independent thinkers who approach challenges with enthusiasm. Above all, we want our children to feel they belong — to our school, to their community, and to their future — so they can believe in themselves and achieve success throughout their school journey and beyond.

Our Commitment to the EYFS Statutory Framework

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework,  which is the national set of standards for all early years providers in England. This framework ensures that every child receives high‑quality learning, care, and developmental support from birth to five, and it guides everything we do in our Reception year.

The EYFS framework outlines expectations for how children learn, how their development should be supported and assessed, and how settings must keep children healthy, safe, and thriving. It ensures that children gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need as they begin their school journey. 

The Four Principles of the EYFS

The EYFS is built on four guiding principles that shape all early years practice. These principles help us understand how children develop and how best to support them.

1. Every Child is Unique

Each child develops at their own pace. Children learn in different ways, come with their own strengths, and benefit from personalised support and encouragement. 

2. Positive Relationships

Warm, supportive relationships are fundamental to ensure children feel safe and confident. They also play a key role in children’s communication, emotional wellbeing, and resilience. 

3. Enabling Environments

Children learn best in environments that are stimulating, responsive, and tailored to their needs and interests. A rich environment encourages exploration, independence, curiosity, and belonging.

4. Learning and Development

Children develop through a combination of play, exploration, adult guidance, and first‑hand experiences. The EYFS recognises different ways that children engage with the world around them and values all pathways of learning. 

What Your Child Will Experience in Their First Year

At Meynell Primary School, our Early Years curriculum is designed to help children grow, explore, and develop into confident learners. Throughout the year, children take part in meaningful, engaging experiences that build key skills across all areas of learning.

Prime Areas of Learning

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children learn to:

  • Develop an interest and awareness of their environment
  • Build a positive self‑image and form meaningful relationships
  • Show tolerance, respect, care, and understanding towards others and the world around them
  • Enjoy learning and adopt a positive attitude to new experiences
  • Develop independence in dressing, toileting, washing, and eating

These foundations help children become confident, resilient, and ready for future learning.

Communication and Language

Children are supported to:

  • Listen carefully during stories, discussions, and play
  • Communicate clearly, confidently, and with understanding

We create a language‑rich environment where children build vocabulary through conversation, storytelling, and high‑quality interactions.

Physical Development

Children develop strength, coordination, and control through a range of indoor and outdoor activities, supporting both fine and gross motor skills essential for writing, self-care, and active play.

Specific Areas of Learning

Literacy

Reading is at the heart of our EYFS curriculum. Children enjoy a wide range of books that build their oracy, vocabulary, and early comprehension.

Phonics

We follow the Read Write Inc. programme. Children:

  • Are introduced to letter sounds
  • Learn to blend and segment
  • Take home books matched to their phonic knowledge
  • Are listened to regularly in school to build fluency

This helps children become confident, enthusiastic early readers.

Mathematics

Children learn early mathematical concepts through practical activities, games, and high‑quality teaching. They explore:

  • Number
  • Shape
  • Sorting and comparison
  • Early problem‑solving

The focus is on developing secure foundations that support future maths learning.

Understanding the World & Expressive Arts and Design

Our wider curriculum is delivered through rich, hands‑on experiences that encourage curiosity and creativity. Children take part in activities that:

  • Encourage exploration of the natural world
  • Help them notice similarities and differences
  • Support imaginative play, art, music, and creative expression

These elements help children make sense of the world around them.