Welcome to Foundation 1 

Foundation 1 is the first stage of a child's learning journey at Farnsfield St Michael's C of E Primary School. Our Foundation 1 provision offers a nurturing and engaging Early Years environment for rising fours, where children are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. 

As part of our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision, children learn through a balance of child-initiated play and carefully planned adult-led experiences. We recognise that every child is unique and provide opportunities for children to explore, investigate, create and learn in ways that reflect their interests and stage of development. 

Foundation 1 provides play-based Early Years experiences for children in the year before they start Reception and supports children in developing the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for the next stage of their education. 

Learning in Foundation 1

Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and supports children's development across the seven areas of learning. Through a balance of child-initiated play, exploration and carefully planned adult-led experiences, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for a successful transition into Reception. 

Prime Areas 

• Communication and Language 

• Physical Development 

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development 

Specific Areas 

• Literacy 

• Mathematics 

• Understanding the World 

• Expressive Arts and Design 

Learning is carefully planned to build children's knowledge and understanding whilst fostering curiosity, resilience, independence and a love of learning. 

Our Learning Environment 

Children learn best through meaningful experiences, active exploration and play. Our Foundation 1 environment is carefully designed to encourage children to investigate, create, communicate and develop positive relationships with others. 

Throughout the day, children have opportunities to develop their language and communication skills, explore early reading, writing and mathematics, express themselves creatively and engage in problem-solving activities. They are encouraged to make choices, follow their interests and become increasingly independent learners. 

Both our indoor and outdoor environments provide rich opportunities for discovery, exploration and imaginative play. Through these experiences, children develop confidence, coordination, resilience and a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

As an Early Years provision for rising fours, Foundation 1 provides a nurturing introduction to school life, helping children develop the skills, independence and positive learning behaviours needed for a smooth transition into Reception. 

Outdoor Learning 

Outdoor learning is an important part of life in Foundation 1. Children have daily opportunities to explore, investigate and develop their physical skills through a wide range of practical experiences. 

Outdoor provision supports children's wellbeing, confidence, resilience and understanding of the world around them. 

Transition to Reception 

As part of Farnsfield St Michael's C of E Primary School, children become familiar with the school environment, routines and staff from an early stage. 

Throughout Foundation 1, children develop the confidence, independence and learning behaviours needed to make a successful transition into Reception. 

Nursery Provision for Rising Fours 

Foundation 1 forms part of the school's Early Years Foundation Stage provision and provides nursery education for rising fours in the year before they start school. 

We welcome children from Farnsfield and the surrounding villages, including Southwell, Edingley, Rainworth, Eakring, Kirklington, Halam, Bilsthorpe, Oxton and neighbouring communities. 

Families searching for nursery places, preschool provision or Early Years education in the local area are encouraged to contact the school office to find out more about Foundation 1 and arrange a visit or speak to a member of our Early Years team. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Foundation 1? 

Foundation 1 is our Early Years provision for rising fours and forms part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Farnsfield St Michael's C of E Primary School. It provides children with a nurturing environment in which to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning before starting Reception. 

What age can my child start Foundation 1? 

Foundation 1 is our provision for rising fours. Children are eligible to start Foundation 1 in the term in which they turn four years old. 

This means: 

• Children with birthdays between 1 September and 31 December can start in the Autumn Term. 

• Children with birthdays between 1 January and 31 March can start in the Spring Term. 

• Children with birthdays between 1 April and 31 August can start in the Summer Term. 

Please contact the school office for further information about eligibility and available places. 

Does Foundation 1 follow the EYFS curriculum? 

Yes. Children in Foundation 1 follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which supports learning and development through a balance of play-based learning and carefully planned adult-led experiences. 

Do you offer funded nursery places? 

Yes. Eligible children can access both 15-hour and 30-hour funded places in line with current government guidance, subject to availability and eligibility criteria. Please contact the school office for the latest information about funded places and eligibility criteria. 

What are the Foundation 1 session times? 

Foundation 1 operates during the school day. 

Morning session: 08:40am – 11:40am (children will leave before lunch) 

Afternoon session: 12:20pm – 3:20pm (children must have already eaten their lunch) 

Full-day provision: 8.40am-3.20pm 

Wrap around care 7.30am-8.40am and 3.20pm-6pm 

Please contact the school office for details of current session arrangements and availability. 

How does Foundation 1 prepare children for Reception? 

Children develop the skills needed for a successful transition into Reception, including communication and language, personal and social development, early literacy and mathematics, confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours. 

Is outdoor learning part of the curriculum? 

Yes. Outdoor learning is an important part of our Foundation 1 provision. Children have daily opportunities to explore, investigate, develop physical skills and learn through first-hand experiences in our outdoor environment. 

Do children automatically move into Reception at Farnsfield St Michael's? 

Foundation 1 children benefit from becoming familiar with the school environment, routines and staff. Information about applying for a Reception place can be found on our Admissions page. 

How do I apply for a place in Foundation 1? 

Information about admissions, eligibility and how to apply can be found on our Admissions page. Alternatively, please contact the school office who will be happy to answer any questions and arrange a visit. 

Is lunch provided? 

You can either send your child to school with a packed-lunch or you can purchase a hot meal for your child. Please see more information regarding this in the ‘'School Meals’ section on the website. 

Meet the Foundation 1 Team  

 

                  Mrs Foxall                                                Miss Collett

Photo Gallery