Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

During the Early Years Foundation Stage pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult led activities. Adults plan DT activities linked to each topic (See EYFS Long Term Plan). Child interests are also explored when they arise and are supported through next step planning. 

Children have the opportunity to support their child initiated play through the continuous provision which gives children access to a variety of DT resources.
Indoors -
Construction kits: small and large, junk modelling, deconstruction building, mobilo, duplo, Lego, wooden blocks, stickle bricks, popoids, nuts and bolts, straws and connectors, marble run, wooden blocks, bricks,
Cutting and joining resources: scissors, hole punches, hammers, nails, glue, sellotape, treasury tags, ribbon, split pins, wool, string, nuts and bolts.

Media: paper, card, bags, cardboard boxes, trays.

Embellishments: sequins, glitter, buttons, threads, pom poms, wool, ribbon, stickers. 

Outdoors: planks of wood, tyres, den building poles, fabric, canes, crates, pegs, ropes, reels, bricks.

Woodwork area: saws, hammers, screwdrivers, nails, screws, balsa wood, offcuts of soft wood, small wheels.

Children in EYFS have opportunities to learn to:

• Explore the textures, movement, feel and look of different media and materials.
• Respond to a range of media and materials developing an understanding that they manipulate and create effects with these.
• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas.
• Construct with a purpose in mind using a variety of resources.
• Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately .
• Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work where necessary.

Assessment in EYFS

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are assessed using Tapestry as our assessment tracker to record children’s knowledge and skills. 

EYFS staff assess Expressive Arts and Design- Creating with Materials (CM) using Development Matters and the new Birth to 5 Matters. 

By the end of Reception children in EYFS will be able to: 

Explore, use and refine a variety of artistic effects to express their ideas and feelings.

Return to and build on their previous learning, refining ideas and developing their ability to represent them.
Create collaboratively sharing ideas, resources and skills.