EYFS
Welcome to Norton Juxta Kempsey!
At NJK, everyone is warmly welcomed into our vibrant Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) community. We understand how important it is to make the transition from pre-school settings into school as smooth and comforting as possible for both children and their families. Our approach to learning is centered around play — both indoors and outdoors — encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence as children explore and discover in a nurturing environment designed just for them.
Me and My Community
In our first term, we focus on helping children settle into school life by learning daily routines and making new friends in a warm and supportive setting. To make this transition special, we invite children to bring photos and treasured items from home in their 'Marvellous Me' bags, which we use to create a welcoming display in our home corner — helping them feel connected to their families within their new environment. Throughout the term, we explore the school community, the local village, and the wider community, learning about the people who support and help us every day.
Festivals and Celebrations
In term two, we explore a variety of festivals and celebrations, including Remembrance Day, Bonfire Night, Diwali, birthdays, and Christmas. This provides a wonderful opportunity for children to begin learning about important events from the past, as well as how people from different cultures celebrate special occasions. The term finishes with the excitement of a whole-class nativity performance, where children share their learning and joy with family and friends.
A Walk on the Wild Side
In term three, we take an exciting journey comparing life in the UK with life in another country through the story Handa’s Surprise. Children bring the story to life by acting it out with lots of fun props, which helps develop their storytelling skills. Along the way, we learn about the different animals and fruits featured in the story, sparking curiosity about the wider world and its diverse environments.
Castles, Dragons, Princesses and Knights
In term four, we embark on a magical journey exploring castles, dragons, princesses, and knights. Children learn about the features of castles, who lived in them, and the roles of the royal family. Through imaginative play and storytelling, they create their own exciting tales about princesses and knights, sparking creativity and a love of history.
Jack and the Beanstalk
In term five, we bring the classic story Jack and the Beanstalk to life as we explore how plants grow. Children plant their own beans and take care of them throughout the school year, learning about what plants need to thrive—like water, sunlight, and care. This hands-on experience helps nurture a love for nature and science through curiosity and observation.
Minibeasts
In term six, we explore the fascinating world of minibeasts, learning about life cycles through the story The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Children go on exciting bug hunts and build their own bug hotels to create habitats for our tiny creatures. We also have special visitors—real caterpillars—which we care for and observe as they transform into beautiful butterflies, inspiring wonder and a deeper understanding of nature’s magic.
New EYFS Reception and ELG Statements
Communication and Language |
Children in Reception will:
ELG: Listening, Attention and Understanding Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: Speaking Children at the expected level of development will:
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development |
Children in Reception will:
ELG: Self-Regulation Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: Managing Self Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: Building Relationships Children at the expected level of development will:
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Physical Development |
Children in Reception will:
ELG: Gross Motor Skills Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: Fine Motor Skills Children at the expected level of development will:
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Literacy |
Children in Reception will:
ELG: Comprehension Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: Word Reading Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: Writing Children at the expected level of development will:
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Mathematics |
Children in Reception will:
ELG: Number Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: Numerical Patterns Children at the expected level of development will:
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Expressive Arts and Design |
Children in Reception will:
ELG: Creating with Materials Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: Being Imaginative and Expressive Children at the expected level of development will:
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Understanding the World |
Children in Reception will:
ELG: Past and Present Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: People, Culture and Communities Children at the expected level of development will:
ELG: The Natural World Children at the expected level of development will:
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