Our Vision 

At Aston Rowant CE Primary School, our Early Years provision provides children with a nurturing, stimulating and ambitious start to their education. Rooted in our vision of “Growing together, rooted in God, enjoying fullness of life,” we ensure every child feels safe, valued and inspired to learn. 

We aim for all children to become confident, curious and independent learners, well prepared for Key Stage 1 and beyond. 

Our Curriculum 

Our EYFS curriculum is carefully designed, ambitious and sequential, ensuring children build strong foundations across all areas of learning. 

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, with a clear focus on: 

• Communication and Language 
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development 
• Physical Development 
• Literacy 
• Mathematics 
• Understanding the World 
• Expressive Arts and Design 

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on early language development, early reading and vocabulary, ensuring all children develop the skills they need to succeed. 

Early Reading and Phonics 

Early reading is at the heart of our EYFS provision. 

We teach phonics using Rocket Phonics, a structured, systematic programme that enables children to: 

• Recognise sounds 
• Blend sounds to read words 
• Segment words for spelling 

Phonics is taught daily, with regular opportunities for practice and application throughout the day. 

Children read fully decodable books matched to their phonics knowledge, ensuring success, confidence and rapid progress. We prioritise reading for both accuracy and enjoyment, helping children develop a lifelong love of books. 

Drawing Club and Language Development 

We use Drawing Club as a key part of our EYFS curriculum to develop: 

• Vocabulary 
• Storytelling 
• Imagination 
• Early writing skills 

Through high-quality texts and engaging storytelling, children are encouraged to: 

• Talk confidently about stories and ideas 
• Create their own imaginative responses 
• Develop early mark-making and writing 

This approach significantly strengthens children’s communication, creativity and comprehension skills, supporting success across the curriculum. 

Learning Through Play and Exploration 

Children learn through a carefully balanced mix of: 

• Adult-led teaching 
• Guided learning 
• Child-initiated exploration 

We provide a rich environment that encourages: 

• Curiosity and independence 
• Problem-solving and creativity 
• Collaboration and communication 

Adults skilfully interact with children, extending learning through high-quality questioning, modelling and support. 

Our Environment 

Our EYFS provision benefits from a purpose-built classroom and a large outdoor area, enabling true free-flow learning throughout the day. 

Children can move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing them to: 

• Follow their interests 
• Apply learning in different contexts 
• Develop independence and resilience 

The outdoor environment is a key part of our curriculum, offering opportunities for: 

• Physical development 
• Exploration of the natural world 
• Imaginative play 
• Real-life problem solving 

Our setting ensures that learning is active, engaging and meaningful. 

Personal Development and Wellbeing 

We place strong emphasis on children’s personal, social and emotional development. 

Children are supported to: 

• Build positive relationships 
• Develop confidence and independence 
• Understand and manage their feelings 
• Show kindness, respect and cooperation 

Our Christian values underpin all aspects of learning, helping children to develop as well-rounded individuals. 

Assessment and Progress 

Assessment is ongoing and responsive, ensuring that teaching meets the needs of all learners. 

Adults: 

• Observe children regularly 
• Use assessment to plan next steps 
• Provide timely support and challenge 

We work closely with parents and carers to ensure a shared understanding of each child’s development. 

Impact 

Children leave EYFS at Aston Rowant as: 

• Confident communicators with strong language skills 
• Early readers who can decode and enjoy books 
• Independent learners who are curious and motivated 
• Resilient individuals who are willing to try new things 
• Social and respectful members of the school community 

They are well prepared for the next stage of their education, with secure foundations in both academic learning and personal development. 

Progression of skills in EYFS curriculum areas and useful documents are attached below.