In EYFS at Listerdale Junior Academy, we provide the ideal start for a child to develop their confidence as a playful, motivated and independent learner, within a safe and caring, yet challenging, vibrant and enriching setting.

The Foundation Stage is an important period of children’s education as it develops an early love of learning. At Listerdale we ensure all children are prepared for future challenges and successes. We ensure a smooth transition from home to school and then prepare the children to begin the National Curriculum in Key Stage 1.

Learning happens through investigation, exploring and immersive, hands-on experiences within a play-based curriculum. To support the children to achieve their own goals and to make amazing progress during their time in EYFS, we ensure that there is a good balance of direct teaching and child-led play in a purposeful high quality environment which supports and extends their learning. Our team is dedicated to bringing out the best in the children and our plan for learning is based on the children’s own interests and needs. We have high expectations of all children and set challenging but achievable challenges and always encourage them to try their best. They are provided with many, varied opportunities to develop and we nurture their confidence so that they can all make positive steps towards achieving their potential.

We value the importance of the outdoor environment, ensuring that children have the opportunity to learn about the world around them, in a natural and safe space. Children are allowed to take managed risks, which both supports their growth and allows them to become critical thinkers, and confident, independent learners.

Every child has their own online Learning Journey, which documents the progression and own unique experience throughout their time in EYFS which parents are also able to see and contribute to. We value the fantastic partnerships that we have with parents and ensure that  transitions are smooth and that we work together to provide the best possible care and education for all children.

Curriculum

Our creative and bespoke curriculum reflects our children and their community and provides our pupils with the knowledge and skills they need at each stage of the Early Years. It is an ambitious plan of everything they need to learn to be prepared for the next step of their school journey. The curriculum encourages children to; love reading, be respectful and communicate effectively. 

Please click here to view a copy of the EYFS Long Term Plan

We acknowledge that children learn at different rates and that each child is unique. Our curriculum supports this ethos and is flexible. We follow the children’s interests, alongside introducing them to new and engaging experiences.

Our curriculum supports pupils’ development in all 7 areas of learning (see below) and each area includes ‘Curriculum Goals’ for the children to achieve each term.

3 Prime areas of learning:                                                              

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Physical Development

Communication and Language

4 specific areas of learning:   

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the World

Expressive Arts and Design

Throughout these areas, children will also be developing the Characteristics of Effective Learning:

Playing and Exploring

Active Learning

Creating and Thinking Critically

The Curriculum Goals can be downloaded here:

For more information visit Curriculum - EYFS

WOW Moments 

F@L is dedicated to providing children with experiences and opportunities to help them progress and achieve success. Each half-term we plan engaging activities for our pupils to take part in that support them to be prepared for the next step of their learning and development. These include baking, planting, picnics, local walks, educational visits and caring for animals.  

 

Assessment 

Assessment is based primarily on practitioners’ knowledge of the children. This knowledge is gained predominantly from observation and interaction in a range of daily activities and events. Embedded learning is identified by assessing what a child can do consistently and independently in a range of everyday situations. We understand effective assessment presents a holistic view of a child’s learning and development and, therefore, staff take account of contributions from a range of perspectives including the child, their parents and other relevant adults when completing these.

Our Rooms

At Listerdale Junior Academy, the EYFS includes Foundation stage 1 (FS1 or Nursery) and Foundation Stage 2 (FS2 or Reception).

FS1

Children can start FS1 at the beginning of the school year in which they are 4 years old.

There are 3 options on offer:   

• Monday to Friday full days 8.45am–2.45pm (6 hours per day, 30 hours per week)
• Monday to Friday half day (mornings) 8.45am-11.45am (3 hours per day, 15 hours per week)
• Monday to Friday half day (afternoons) 11.45am-2.45pm (3 hours per day, 15 hours per week)

All children are funded by the Early Years Education Department for 15 hours per week for 38 weeks from the term after their 3rd birthday.

Some children are eligible for 30hrs funded childcare. To check if your child is entitled to 30 hours funded childcare, please search www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

Additional hours can be purchased (in addition to funded hours), subject to availability; these can be requested in sessions of 3 or 6 hours and will be charged at £4 per hour (£24 for 6 hours, £12 for 3 hours).  

In addition to the provision above, we are offering a Foundations@Listerdale Breakfast Club and After-School Club provision

Breakfast Club will operate 7.45am - 8.40am at a cost of £4 per day, which will include cereal, toast and a drink.   

Additional Hours are available - Monday to Friday 2:45-3:15 at a charge of £10 per week

After-School Club will operate from Monday to Friday 3:15-5:15pm at £8 per session

FS2

We have 60 places available in our FS2 classes.                                     

School times: 8.40am – 3.15pm

The breakfast and after-school provision is available for FS2 children. Breakfast Club operates 7.45am - 8.40am at a cost of £4 per day, which includes cereal, toast and a drink. After-school club for FS2 to Year 6 is available daily 3:15-5:15pm at £8 per session.

Admissions

For FS1 admissions, please initially register interest by e-mailing the school office:

info@listerdaleacademy.org

Applications for FS1 go 'live' during the Spring Term before your child/ren will start in September.

F1 Application for 2024-25 Intake:

https://forms.gle/grLggr9TbBChAhFM9

FS2

Parents/carers wishing to apply for a place in FS2 should do so via Rotherham Borough Council admissions. Attending our nursery does not guarantee your child will be offered a place.

For further information please visit Admissions