Early Years Foundation Stage

At St. Lawrence College, we follow the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to age five.

Our EYFS provision includes three stages:

• FS1 (Nursery): From 2 years 6 months
• FS2 (Pre-Reception): From 3 years old
• Reception: From 4 years old

We believe every child is a capable learner, and we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where children feel secure, valued, and inspired to explore. We support each child's development at their own pace, promoting independence, confidence, and a love of learning. The diverse backgrounds of our international school community enrich the experience for all children.

We provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where children feel secure

Reception marks the final year of the EYFS and the first official year of primary education in the UK. At this stage, children begin to develop a more structured approach to learning, while still engaging in rich, play-based experiences. The curriculum balances self-initiated exploration with more formal class-based teaching. Children are introduced to phonics, early literacy, and numeracy, laying the groundwork for the academic journey they will continue in Key Stage 1.

Learning in the Early Years is rooted in four guiding principles:

1. The Unique Child – We recognise and support each child’s individual path of development, celebrating progress and self-expression.
2. Positive Relationships – Strong connections between children, staff, and families underpin learning, helping children build trust, resilience, and social skills.
3. Enabling Environments – Classrooms are welcoming, engaging spaces that encourage exploration, creativity, and discovery through play.
4. Learning and Development – Our curriculum balances child-led and adult-guided activities across seven key areas.

To ensure a well-rounded foundation, the EYFS curriculum is organised into seven interconnected areas of learning and development. These support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth and prepare them for lifelong learning.

The Seven Areas of Learning

• Communication and Language: Building listening, understanding, and speaking skills.
• Physical Development: Encouraging movement, coordination, and healthy habits.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Fostering confidence, empathy, and self-regulation.
• Literacy: Introducing phonics, reading, and early writing.
• Mathematics: Exploring numbers, shapes, patterns, and simple problem-solving.
• Understanding the World: Learning about people, places, nature, and technology.
• Expressive Arts and Design: Developing creativity through music, art, role-play, and imaginative activities.

Our dedicated Early Years team ensures smooth transitions between each stage — and particularly from Reception into Year 1 — creating a joyful, consistent learning journey. The close alignment between Reception and Key Stage 1 ensures pupils are well-prepared for the more formal academic expectations to come, while maintaining the nurturing and responsive approach that supports every child’s success.