Our approach at Hawthorne is influenced by knowledge of child development, how young children learn and how adults can support their learning. We follow the statutory EYFS framework. At Hawthorne we have carefully created and implemented a curriculum which is guided by the four overarching principles; 

1. Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.

2. Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.

3. Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers.

4. Importance of learning and development. Children develop and learn at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We adhere to the statutory educational programmes, which are shaped by the 7 areas of learning and development. 

Three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships, and thriving. These are called the prime areas:

• Communication and language

• Physical development

• Personal, social, and emotional development

Four areas help children to strengthen and apply the prime areas. These are called the specific areas:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the world

• Expressive arts and design

Threaded throughout the EYFS curriculum at Hawthorne are the Characteristics of Effective Learning. These elements underpin how we reflect on each child’s development and adjust our practice accordingly.

• Playing and Exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’

• Active Learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements

• Creating and Thinking Critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

We use the FHP 'Key Knowledge Progression Documents' to support the development of our sequential, knowledge rich curriculum at Hawthorne. The progression document takes full account of the statutory requirements from the EYFSF, drawing on guidance from Development Matters too.