Believe
At Ridgeway Farm CE Academy, we believe that every child deserves the very best start to their education. We strive to nurture happy, confident and well-rounded individuals who develop a lifelong love of learning.
Rooted in our Christian vision, we provide a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and develops a strong sense of belonging within our school community. We recognise that each child is unique and aim to build on their individual interests, needs and experiences.
We believe that:
- Learning through play should be fun, engaging and meaningful
- Children learn best when they feel safe, secure and valued
- Curiosity should be nurtured through exploration and challenge
- Social development is key, including sharing, turn-taking and kindness
- Our Christian values encourage children to be thankful, respectful and compassionate
- The outdoor environment is essential in developing problem-solving, resilience and independence
Our vision is to provide children with the skills, experiences and confidence needed for their well-being now and success in the future.
Learn
Our EYFS curriculum is delivered through a carefully planned, play-based and child-centred approach, supported by high-quality adult interaction and purposeful provision.
All staff have high expectations, and learning is supported through a well-resourced and stimulating environment that enables children to revisit, practise and consolidate their skills. Children are encouraged to take an active role in their learning, developing independence and a sense of ownership.
How children learn
- Through play-based exploration that follows children’s interests
- Through high-quality interactions and skilled questioning
- By engaging in a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities
- Through opportunities to revisit and deepen learning
- In both indoor and outdoor environments
Every moment is seen as a learning opportunity, with staff carefully adapting provision to meet children’s needs.
Curriculum provision
Our curriculum provides strong foundations across all areas of learning, including the prime areas, which underpin all development:
- Communication and Language
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
This is supported through:
- A welcoming and inclusive environment
- A strong key person system
- Targeted interventions (e.g. Dough Disco)
- Opportunities such as trips and experiences to develop language and understanding
- Regular PSED sessions and physical development opportunities, including PE
Early Reading
We prioritise a love of reading through our ‘Book Talk’ approach, exposing children to high-quality texts that drive learning across the curriculum. This is supported by:
- Daily story time and shared reading
- Phonics sessions
- Home reading and lending library opportunities
- Nursery rhymes and language-rich experiences
Early Mathematics
Mathematics is taught daily through practical, meaningful experiences, including:
- Exploring number and numerical patterns
- Real-life contexts such as cooking, shopping and routines
- Opportunities to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills
Assessment and parental engagement
Assessment is ongoing and purposeful, informing planning and next steps:
- Daily observations and responsive teaching
- Regular review of progress and provision
- Evidence in children’s learning journeys and environment
We value strong partnerships with parents and carers, supporting learning through:
- Workshops and information sharing
- Newsletters and communication
- Online platforms such as SeeSaw
- Opportunities to share learning from home
Grow
Our EYFS curriculum ensures that children are actively engaged, motivated and excited learners, with enjoyment evident in their daily experiences.
Children develop into individuals who:
- Are happy, confident and independent
- Show curiosity and ask questions about the world around them
- Take risks and learn from their experiences
- Demonstrate kindness, respect and understanding of others
- Appreciate different cultures, traditions and communities
- Are prepared socially, emotionally and academically for Key Stage One
Children make strong progress from their starting points, developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for lifelong learning. By the end of EYFS, children are well-prepared to transition into Year One, having achieved a good level of development or made significant progress towards it.
The impact of our EYFS provision is seen through:
- Confident, well-rounded children ready for the next stage of learning
- Strong progress across all areas of development
- Positive attitudes to learning and high levels of engagement
- Effective communication and language skills
- Secure personal, social and emotional development
We believe our success is built on a combination of:
- A carefully planned learning environment
- An enriched, play-based curriculum
- High-quality teaching and interactions
- Rigorous and responsive assessment
Our curriculum is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and reflects the voices of our children, families, staff and governors.