Early Years at Fiddlers Lane Primary School

Early Years Foundation Stage

At Fiddlers Lane Primary School, we recognise that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a crucial period in a child’s development, laying the foundations for a lifelong love of learning. Guided by the Development Matters framework, our curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, independence, and a strong sense of achievement. We aim to support children in becoming resilient learners, active citizens, healthy advocates, aspirational individuals, and confident communicators.

We are committed to providing high‑quality care and education for every pupil. Our learning environments—both indoors and outdoors—are safe, nurturing, and stimulating, enabling children to engage in rich, meaningful learning experiences each day. We understand that children start school with different levels of knowledge and skills, and our curriculum is carefully designed to meet them where they are and help them thrive.

Language and communication sit at the heart of our EYFS approach. Children are encouraged to talk, ask questions, share ideas, and articulate their thinking. Throughout the day, they benefit from a balanced combination of adult‑led teaching and child‑initiated exploration. Through play, active learning, investigation, and creative thinking, pupils develop the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need for a confident transition into Key Stage 1.

Our curriculum is engaging, ambitious, and responsive to each child’s needs, interests, and stage of development. Learning is organised across all seven areas of the EYFS to support pupils in working towards the Early Learning Goals. Children’s progress is continuously monitored using Development Matters, with final assessments made against the Early Learning Goals at the end of Reception.

At Fiddlers Lane, pupils enjoy a varied and enriching timetable. They take part in daily phonics and maths sessions alongside wider topic‑based learning. In addition, children benefit from music lessons delivered by Alfa Music and high‑quality PE sessions led by Manchester United and Kickstart.