At Westmeads, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is designed to give children free access to all areas of learning, indoors and outdoors, in all weather. We believe that learning to assess risks is an important part of growing up. It helps children become more independent, confident, and able to solve problems.

Here’s how we support safe risk-taking in our setting:

• A Safe but Exciting Environment
  We offer activities like climbing, balancing, and using tools that encourage children to make decisions. These are carefully supervised to ensure safety while still being fun and challenging.

• Talking About Risks Together
  We use questions like “What do you think might happen if you run on the wet floor?” to help children think about their choices and understand consequences.

• Learning Through Choices
  Children are encouraged to make their own decisions and learn from small mistakes. We guide them to find solutions rather than giving them the answers straight away.

• Using Visuals and Group Chats
  We talk about everyday risks during play and when using new materials, helping children understand how to stay safe.

• Encouraging a ‘Have a Go’ Attitude
  We celebrate effort and problem-solving, not just getting things right. Mistakes are seen as part of learning.

• Making Rules Together
  Children help create rules based on our school values. This gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Our Learning Journey Across The Year.

Term 1- The Skin You Live In.

Celebrating Uniqueness and Identity in EYFS at Westmeads

This term, our learning is inspired by the book Weirdo by Zadie Smith. Through this story, children explore what makes them special and learn to celebrate their own interests, beliefs, and passions.

We encourage children to be proud of who they are and to understand and respect the differences in others. This helps build a kind and inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and valued.

As part of this topic, children also begin to learn key British values such as:

• Respect – for themselves and others
• Tolerance – understanding and accepting differences
• Individual Liberty – having the freedom to express themselves

These values are at the heart of our school and help us create a welcoming and supportive community for all.

Term 2 Celebrate!

Celebrating Together in EYFS at Westmeads

This term, inspired by the story “So Much” by Trish Cooke, children explore the idea of celebrations—thinking about how, why, and what we celebrate. They share their own experiences and learn about different cultural celebrations from around the world.

Through these activities, children begin to understand how communities come together to celebrate shared beliefs and traditions. They also have the chance to celebrate together as a year group, building a sense of belonging and joy.

We continue to build on the values introduced in Term 1, helping children grow their understanding of inclusion and diversity. These experiences support them in becoming kind, respectful, and thoughtful global citizens.

Term 3 An Engineer Like Me!

Building Resilience in EYFS at Westmeads

This term, children are learning how to bounce back from challenges and keep trying, even when things feel tricky. Through play and exploration, they develop important skills like creativity, perseverance, and the ability to reflect on their experiences.

We teach children that making mistakes is part of learning—every mistake is a step toward to success. They learn different ways to manage their feelings and calm themselves when things don’t go as planned.

These coping strategies are linked to our Zones of Regulation approach, which helps children understand and talk about their emotions. By practising these skills, children become more independent, confident, and resilient learners.

Term 4 Going Places

Exploring Journeys in EYFS at Westmeads

This term, our topic is all about journeys—both the ones we take and the ones we experience personally. Children learn about different ways we travel, sharing their own stories and taking part in a shared journey by bus and train to a nearby town.

As part of this topic, we talk about how to stay safe while travelling and help children understand which trusted adults they can turn to for help. We also gently explore personal journeys, such as changes in life, and reflect on each child’s journey so far.

This topic helps children build awareness of the world around them and supports their emotional development as they grow and learn.

Term 5 Everything Changes

Discovering the Natural World in EYFS at Westmeads

This term, children explore the wonders of nature through hands-on experiences like creating a garden, pond dipping, and attending forest school sessions. These activities help build their understanding of the natural world and encourage curiosity.

Children ask questions, try out simple experiments, and test ideas—learning that exploring leads to exciting discoveries. They’re encouraged to share what they’ve found with their families during our end-of-term showcase, celebrating their learning and achievements.

This topic helps children grow as young scientists, developing skills in observation, thinking, and communication.

Term 6 Carnival

Carnival: Celebrating Community and Beliefs in EYFS at Westmeads

This term, children revisit the themes of celebration, shared beliefs, and community that they first explored in our Celebrate topic. They reflect on what they’ve already learned and build on it by discovering how carnivals are used to express joy, identity, and stories.

Children learn that carnivals are more than colourful costumes and music—they often tell a story or represent shared beliefs. As a school, we will work together to design and plan our very own Westmeads Carnival, sharing our school’s story with the local community in a joyful and creative way.

This topic encourages teamwork, creativity, and a deeper understanding of how people come together to celebrate what matters to them.