EYFS

At KTS Academy, our EYFS department provides a foundation for lifelong success and happiness by treating every child as an active, valued learner. We recognise that young children flourish through their senses—exploring, investigating, and playing to make sense of the world around them. We also pride ourselves on the relationships we make with our pupils, ensuring our provision is carefully designed to meet the needs of each individual pupil. Our experienced staff work closely with families and professionals to ensure children feel safe, happy, and confident as they begin their school journey. 

A Diagnostic Start: Individual Learner Profiles 

Every pupil begins their journey with a dedicated period of expert observation. This allows us to construct a comprehensive Individual Learner Profile, identifying specific learner characteristics, engagement styles, and personal motivators. This diagnostic approach ensures that we can accurately transition each child onto the most appropriate pathway as they move into Key Stage 1. Teachers and support staff complete high-quality observations across all areas of learning. These observations then inform the pupils’ next steps as part of a formative assessment continually carried out by teachers. 

A Tailored, Blended Curriculum 

While we follow the statutory EYFS Framework, we provide a bespoke, blended approach that incorporates our Engagement and Pre-formal pathways. This ensures high-quality, tailored support across the seven areas of learning: 

• The Three Prime Areas: Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED); and Physical Development. 

• The Four Specific Areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design. 

In Early Years, learning is often planned around the natural events and celebrations that occur throughout the year, helping children make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. During the Autumn term, for example, topics may include familiar seasonal events such as Harvest, Diwali, Children in Need, Bonfire Night, Remembrance Sunday, Halloween, Hannukah and Christmas. These experiences provide rich opportunities for exploration through stories, sensory play, creative activities, and shared celebrations. Using these events as a starting point allows staff to plan learning that supports all seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children develop Communication and Language through discussions, storytelling, and songs linked to the events; Personal, Social and Emotional Development by learning about traditions, sharing experiences, and participating in group activities; and Physical Development through hands-on exploration, craft, and outdoor play. Activities also support Literacy through themed books and mark-making, Mathematics through counting, sorting, and pattern activities, Understanding the World by exploring cultural traditions and seasonal changes, and Expressive Arts and Design through music, role play, and creative artwork. This approach creates engaging, meaningful learning experiences while ensuring that all areas of development are supported in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for every child. 

Play-Based Empowerment 

Within our continuous provision, which balances child-initiated play with teacher-led activities, we focus on developing the Characteristics of Effective Learning. We empower our pupils to interpret their environment and exercise their right to make choices, building the confidence and independence necessary for their future. 

By fostering strong relationships and a deep understanding of individual learning styles, we ensure that every child’s unique achievements are recognised. 

Our EYFS classrooms are designed to provide a calm, structured, and supportive environment where children feel secure. Spaces are adapted to support a range of play, learning styles and sensory needs, with opportunities for both indoor and outdoor learning. 

Children have access to: 

• Sensory and exploratory play activities 

• Structured and free-play opportunities 

• Quiet and calming spaces 

• Outdoor learning and physical development activities 

• Communication-rich environments with visual supports

Specialist Support 

Many children in our Early Years provision benefit from additional specialist support. We work closely with professionals such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists to support each child’s development. 

This collaborative approach helps us provide the best possible support for communication, sensory needs, and early learning. 

Partnership with Families 

We believe that strong partnerships with parents and carers are essential in the early years and throughout your child’s school life. We work closely with families to share information, celebrate achievements, and support learning both at school and at home through an online platform; ‘Tapestry’. 

Regular communication, meetings, and shared learning opportunities help ensure that each child receives consistent support. 

Building Strong Foundations 

Our EYFS provision focuses on developing the essential foundations for learning, communication, independence, and wellbeing. Through supportive relationships, engaging activities, and personalised teaching, we help every child take their first steps toward a positive and successful school experience.