Early Years
CURRICULUM & EDUCATION
EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE (EYFS)
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a strong foundation for children’s learning, development and wellbeing from birth to five years. At Banana Island School, we recognise that every child is unique, and we create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, communicate, investigate, create and develop their independence.
Our Early Years curriculum is guided by the seven (7) areas of learning and development within the EYFS. These areas are interconnected and are woven naturally through purposeful play, adult-guided learning, child-initiated experiences, exploration and everyday routines.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We support children in developing confidence, self-awareness, positive relationships and emotional wellbeing. Children learn to understand and manage their feelings, develop resilience, cooperate with others and become increasingly independent in their learning and everyday routines.
Prime Area
Communication & Language
We develop children’s ability to listen, understand and communicate effectively. Through conversations, stories, songs, rhymes, role play and carefully planned interactions, children develop their vocabulary, confidence and ability to express their ideas, feelings and experiences.
Prime Area
Physical Development
This can be divided into activities which encourage gross motor skills and those which are aimed at fine motor skills. For the former, the Early Years children are able to use their own dedicated play ground, the Nursery garden and the main play area are all available to them.
There will also be swimming, dance and PE lessons. Fine motor skills are developed through activities incorporating construction toys, play dough, scissors, bead threading, pencil and paper.
Prime Area
Expressive Arts & Design
We encourage children to express themselves creatively through art, music, movement, dance, drama, imaginative play and design. Children have opportunities to experiment with different materials, explore their creativity and communicate their ideas and experiences in a variety of ways.
Specific Area
Understanding the World
Children are encouraged to explore and make sense of the world around them. Through observation, investigation, discussion and first-hand experiences, they develop an understanding of people, communities, nature, technology and the environment.
Specific Area
Mathematics
We develop children’s understanding of number, numerical relationships, patterns, shape, space and measurement through practical and meaningful experiences. Children are encouraged to explore mathematical ideas, solve problems and use mathematical language in everyday situations.
Specific Area
Literacy
Children develop a love of books, stories, rhymes and language while building the foundations for reading and writing. Through phonics, storytelling, mark-making, shared reading and meaningful writing experiences, children begin to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become successful readers and writers.
Specific Area
Learning Through Play & Expression
At Banana Island School, we understand that young children learn best when they are actively engaged, interested and motivated. Our practitioners provide a balance of child-initiated and adult-guided experiences that encourage children to investigate, experiment, solve problems and develop new skills.
We carefully observe children’s interests, strengths and individual developmental needs and use these observations to plan meaningful learning experiences. Our approach enables children to become increasingly independent, confident and enthusiastic learners.
Preparing Children for the Future
Our Early Years provision focuses not only on what children know, but also on how they learn, communicate, interact and approach new experiences. We aim to develop the foundations for lifelong learning by nurturing curiosity, creativity, resilience, independence and positive relationships.
Through strong partnerships with parents and carers, we work together to support every child’s development and ensure that children make a confident transition to the next stage of their educational journey.