In our very small school where Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pupils are often grouped in a class with Year 1 and Year 2 pupils, the EYFS Framework is typically delivered through a mixed-age, differentiated approach. The focus is on providing a child-centered, play-based learning environment for EYFS children, while balancing the more structured curriculum of Key Stage 1 (KS1). Here's how this is implemented:
1. Integrated Learning Environment
The classroom is set up with distinct learning areas that cater to both EYFS and KS1 pupils. For EYFS children, there are designated areas for continuous provision, such as role play, construction, sensory play, and outdoor activities, allowing them to explore, learn through play, and develop the prime and specific areas of learning outlined in the EYFS Framework.
1. Integrated Learning Environment
The classroom is set up with distinct learning areas that cater to both EYFS and KS1 pupils. For EYFS children, there are designated areas for continuous provision, such as role play, construction, sensory play, and outdoor activities, allowing them to explore, learn through play, and develop the prime and specific areas of learning outlined in the EYFS Framework.
2. Differentiation in Teaching
Teaching is highly differentiated to meet the varying needs of the EYFS and KS1 children. The teacher or teaching assistant may work with the EYFS pupils on activities aligned with the Early Learning Goals, while also guiding the Year 1 and Year 2 pupils through their KS1 curriculum. This involves group-based tasks, where EYFS pupils may work in small groups or individually on practical, hands-on tasks, while older pupils engage in more formal literacy and numeracy work.
3. Play-Based Learning
EYFS children still have access to significant periods of play-based learning, in line with the principles of the EYFS Framework. This could include structured and unstructured playtimes, often outside, which helps them develop social skills, physical coordination, and early literacy and numeracy skills in a more informal, exploratory context.
4. Use of Continuous Provision
Continuous provision areas remain available throughout the day, meaning that EYFS children can independently access materials and activities that support their learning goals. The teacher carefully plans these areas to ensure they provide opportunities for EYFS children to achieve the objectives set out in the seven areas of learning.
5. Shared Learning Opportunities
There are also many shared learning opportunities where the whole class, including both EYFS and KS1, engage in collective activities. These can be storytelling sessions, creative projects, or whole-class discussions where learning can be adapted for all age groups, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. We have incorporated EYFS planning into our Cornerstones curriculum so that it is accessible to our younger children.
6. Flexible Timetabling
Timetables in small schools tend to be more flexible, with EYFS children following a less rigid structure compared to their older peers. For example, they might have more frequent breaks for outdoor play, or work in shorter bursts, while Year 1 and Year 2 children continue with more structured lessons. However, EYFS pupils are gradually introduced to more structured learning as they prepare for transition to Key Stage 1.
7. Teacher-Child Ratio and Adult Support
Given the small class sizes typical of our school, there is a higher adult-to-child ratio. This allows the teacher or a teaching assistant to give focused support to the EYFS children, ensuring that their individual learning needs are met, while also supporting the KS1 pupils.
8. Assessment and Observation
Ongoing observations and assessments are key to delivering the EYFS Framework in a mixed-age class. The teacher will continuously assess the EYFS children's progress, using observations to inform planning and ensure each child is making progress towards their Early Learning Goals, even while managing the older students' more formal assessments.
In this setting, the EYFS Framework is delivered in a way that balances child-initiated, play-based learning with the gradual introduction of more formal education, helping the youngest children develop the skills they need while sharing a classroom with their Year 1 and 2 peers.
We work with an Early Years Consultant to ensure that our provision is the best it possibly can be for Kielder's youngest residents!