It is our aim in the Foundation Stage at Higham Primary to give all our children the best start to their learning journey and to support each individual to become lifelong learners.

Through our enabling environment in the Reception class and with positive relationships each unique child can learn and develop individually. We are committed to a principle of learning and developing through play whereby children and adults engage in exploratory and active learning, where creativity and critical thinking is developed, supported and extended and all areas of learning and development are implemented.

Enabling Environments

At Higham Primary School we provide a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment, offering experiences and activities that are challenging but achievable, so giving children the confidence to explore and learn in secure, safe spaces.

The Hedghogs classroom is organised to allow children to explore and learn. There are areas where the children can be active, be quiet, creative etc.. The children have the freedom to move between the inside and outdoor classroom throughout the school day. The free flow between inside and outside has a positive effect on the children's development. Being outdoors offers opportunities for doing things in different ways and on different scales than when indoors. The children can explore, use their senses and be physically active.

Learning and Development

The EYFS is divided into 7 areas of learning and development, all are important and interconnected however, three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiam for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

These three areas, the prime areas, are:

• Communication and Language;
• Physical Development;
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

There are 4 specfic areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. These are:

• English
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design