We believe it is essential that the Early Years provides our children with the strongest possible start to their education at Hibaldstow Academy.

It is our intent that pupils are given the best opportunities to grow in all areas of their development whilst embedding a positive attitude to school and learning. We understand that our pupils start school from a wide range of different settings and with varied life experiences, therefore we spend time getting to know our children and their families before they even start school.

We provide high quality teaching and facilitate learning through exciting, first-hand experiences. We pride ourselves on high quality positive  interactions between children and adults promoting language development, confidence and developing self-esteem.  Our learning environments, both inside and outside are well equipped, stimulating and provide challenge and increasing independence for our pupils. We regularly adapt and enhance the provision to meet the interests and developing needs of the children.

Our early years provision follows the curriculum as outlined in the 2022 statutory framework of the EYFS.

The EYFS framework focuses on seven areas of learning.

The prime areas of learning, which are important for building a foundation for enabling children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are:

• Personal Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and language 
• Physical Development

The specific areas of learning, through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics 
• Expressive arts and design
• Understanding the world

There are 4 key principles that underpin our practice in the EYFS:

A Unique Child

We recognise that all children are different and we believe in celebrating their strengths and ensuring that we support each one of  them to achieve their potential. We encourage the children to be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships

Our children interact well with their peers and also we spend time ensuring that they build positive relationships with adults in school. We recognize the importance of parents and carers and the impact they can have on a child’s learning. We encourage parents and carers to be involved fully in their child’s education. The Google Classroom platform enables our Early Years Staff and Parents to share information and further learning opportunities and celebrate achievements.

Enabling Environments With Teaching And Support From Adults

Our learning environments, both inside and outside are well equipped, stimulating and provide challenge and increasing independence for our pupils. We regularly adapt and enhance the provision to meet the interests and developing needs of the children.  We ensure that it is always well organised and interesting and that it is accessible to all pupils, including those with SEN.  Staff support the children through guided activities as well as interacting alongside them whilst they are engaged and learning through play in the classroom.

Learning And Development

Our aim is for all pupils to achieve well and to make excellent progress from their starting points, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Learning is purposeful, practical and playful and builds upon the prior attainment of each child. We recognize that each child learns and develops at a different rate. Our children enjoy coming to school.

Transition To School

We appreciate that starting school is a pivotal time in any child’s life. We ensure that every child has the best possible start and we have a carefully planned transition package.

Our transition to Hibaldstow Academy includes:

• Welcome pack sent to homes as soon as a place is allocated;
• Letter from the teacher to the child
• A photographic brochure of ‘A Day in EYFS at Hibaldstow Academy’ 
• EYFS staff visiting preschools to familiarise themselves with the children
• Stay and play session for children and parents;
• Several ‘new starter’ visits to school;
• ‘Welcome To Our School’ meeting for parents;
• An offer of a home visit so parents can share important information about their child
• Access to the school’s Google Classroom platform in July

Phonics/Reading

We have daily Read, Write Inc. phonics sessions which are set according to regular assessments. Children who need additional support have intervention RWI sessions. Children have books linked to their phonic learning and are listened to read individually. We promote a love of reading through daily story sessions, Imagination Library  and through our Recommended Reads. Our provision is extremely well resourced with a selection of classic favourite books as well as up to date high quality books . A library van from North Lincolnshire Council Library Service visits the school every three weeks so children can choose a book. All families are supported to sign up with the Library Service when children start school.

Mathematics

We follow the principles of White Rose mastery approach for learning, while working towards Early Years Framework outcomes. White Rose ‘small steps to progression’ plans are a series of learning objectives we use that  follow a logical coherent path and prevent gaps in knowledge, whilst also helping our children to make connections between maths topics. We revisit the topics over the course of the Early Year in order to make learning sticky.  Mathematical activities are provided as part of continuous provision to encourage pupils to apply their learning.