Rendcomb College Nursery School Syllabus

EYFS, the standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5.

Our Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which sets out guidelines for the standards of learning, development and general care of children through Nursery and Reception (up to the age of 5). The framework understands that every child is unique and emphasises the family atmosphere we have here at Rendcomb, with our staff tending to each child’s needs through each stage of learning.

Children are taught through playing with each other and games which look to develop seven key areas of learning. These are:

  • Communication and language
  • Physical development
  • Personal, social and emotional development
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the world
  • Expressive arts and design

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The areas are split into two categories, Prime Areas and Specific Areas.

Prime Areas

These three areas focus on the key skills and capabilities that all children need to be ready for school and to develop and learn to the best of their abilities. These areas are seen as crucial for sparking your child’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and giving them the foundation to build relationships with others and thrive in their environment.

These three areas are:

  • Communication and language
  • Physical development
  • Personal, social and emotional development

These areas are focused on strongly with our younger children and as they grow in confidence in these areas a shift is seen towards a more equal focus on all the seven areas.

Specific Areas

The four remaining areas look to build on the Prime areas and apply what they have already learnt. These areas are:

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the world
  • Expressive arts and design

Each area is taught through targeted play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities.


Playing with one another allows your child to build confidence as they learn to explore, think about the problems they may encounter, and of course, communicate and relate to their friends and the adults around them! This is often learnt through playing with each other and, where needed, guided play from our fantastic staff.

As the children play with each other it becomes clear each child’s individual needs and interests, allowing for us to guide their development individually through tailored, warm and positive interaction. As the children grow older and move through to reception the focus will move more towards adult-led activities in order to help the children prepare for more formal learning in Year 1.

If you believe any of the learning your child may be involved with impacts or conflicts with your beliefs please contact the Head of EYFS, Kim Hardie, for an “exemption” and your child will not be involved with this activity.

For more information on EYFS and for downloadable documents surrounding the syllabus, click here.

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