Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage at Severnbanks Primary School.

Our EYFS Vision

To enable children to be happy, motivated and confident communicators who demonstrate the characteristics of effective learning and can apply the skills and knowledge learnt throughout their time in EYFS to the next stage of their journey.

Miss Powell  Class Teacher 

Miss Webster - PPA Cover

Miss Turley, Miss Dunkley and Miss Whiting are the Learning Support Workers. 

A little bit about us

To meet the growing needs of our local community, we redesigned our EYFS space and completed building work in 2018. We now have a large, purpose-built environment where children can move freely between areas and learn through play. We offer a balance of child-led exploration, adult-guided activities and shared, co-constructed learning. Alongside our indoor space, children also enjoy access to the wider school grounds, including a wooded area that is fully set up for outdoor learning. Our EYFS environment is well-equipped, thoughtfully organised and includes extra features such as a low-level sink and a small kitchen area to support children’s independence.

When children join Reception at the age of four, they are based in our welcoming Sycamore Room. This space forms part of a semi-open-plan unit with easy, free-flow access to the outdoors. Your child will have their own class teacher, and supporting teaching assistants who will get to know them well and will be responsible for planning activities, supporting their learning and celebrating their achievements.

Learning together

In Reception, we ask that all children complete reading and phonic activities at home.  Each week your child will bring home a 'reading book' linked to our Rocket Phonics scheme, a 'share book' and a phonics folder which contains phonic practice sheets and flash cards.  Across the year, you will also have opportunities to join your child in class by attending our 'stay and play' sessions.  

What do others say about us

"The teacher is so passionate about inclusion, and she has recently attended some training, which has made her re-evaluate her teaching and classroom environment for the children in YR. She spent a significant amount of time getting to know the children and families before they started in September, especially those with significant need. She thought through what could be put in place from day 1 and this has really supported these children as they have transitioned into school." H Tate Consultancy  Sept 24 

' Teaching assistants are effective at all points in the day. They know where they should be and are very intuitive to the needs of all children, particularly the most vulnerable. They are confident in stopping the class if needed, and it really feels like the role of educator is shared. This is so powerful '  H Tate Consultancy Sept 24 

'Visual resources are evident and used well. The ‘Cwtch’ area is fantastic and used at points in the day for some children who can find the larger carpet area more challenging to sit for short periods of time and maintain focus.' HT consultancy  Sept 24.

  The EYFS experience is based upon four principles which practitioners use to guide practice

· A Unique Child

At Severnbanks we recognise that every child is a competent learner who can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured. We recognise that children develop in individual ways, at varying rates. Children’s attitudes and dispositions to learning are influenced by feedback from others; we use praise and encouragement, as well as celebration and rewards, to encourage children to develop a positive attitude to learning.

· Positive Relationships

At Severnbanks we recognise that children learn to be strong and independent from secure relationships. We aim to develop caring, respectful, professional relationships with the children and their families whenever they join us in the Early Years.

· Enabling Environments

At Severnbanks we recognise that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending the children’s development. This begins by providing open ended resources for the children to use in their play and ensuring the adults interact sensitively to challenge and extend the children’s learning.

· Learning and Development

At Severnbanks we recognise that children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates. We value all areas of learning and development equally and understand that they are interconnected across the EYFS.