Early Years Curriculum

Learning for students in reception is delivered by following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework. Within EYFS, there are seven areas of learning that support young children’s development.

7 Key Areas of Learning

'Prime Areas' of Learning

The 'Prime Areas' support the key skills children need to engage in learning and everyday life.

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This area helps to shape children’s social skills and develops respect and an understanding of their different feelings.

2. Physical Development
This area focuses on supporting children to be physically active and to develop fine and gross motor skills. It also focuses on making healthy food choices and developing independence in personal care.

3. Communication and Language
Providing an environment for young children to express themselves and speak and listen in a range of situations allows them to develop their language and communication skills.

'Specific Areas' of Learning

The 'Specific Areas' build on the 'Prime Areas' and help children explore, understand and enjoy the world around them.

4. Literacy
It is important for children to discover phonemic awareness – the ability to hear and identify different words and sounds, and also to start reading and writing.

5. Maths
Children need to be guided in developing skills with numbers and calculations, as well as be able to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

6. Expressive Arts and Design
This area gives children opportunities to express themselves and learn new things.

7. Understanding the World
This involves children understanding similarities between themselves and others, making sense of things by observing and exploring everything from the places they spend time to the technology and other things that they use.

Although pupils with autism and complex learning difficulties experience all seven areas of learning, learning is mainly focused on the three Prime Areas. Learning is carefully structured and delivered through a multisensory approach, using visual supports, clear routines and a total communication approach. This helps pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn, while also supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.