In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Religious Education plays an important role in helping children make sense of themselves, others and the world around them. Through high-quality interactions, stories, exploration, play and first-hand experiences, children begin to develop curiosity about people, communities, beliefs and celebrations.

At Medstead CE Primary School, RE in Reception is taught through the principles of Living Difference IV and contributes to the EYFS areas of learning, particularly Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Understanding the World. Children learn about Christianity as a living faith and are introduced to other religions and worldviews represented in our local and wider communities.

Our youngest learners are encouraged to:

• Talk about their own experiences, families, traditions and special times.
• Develop a sense of wonder about the natural world and ask questions about life and beliefs.
• Explore celebrations, festivals and special places linked to Christianity and other faiths.
• Listen to and respond to stories, including Bible stories and stories from other religious traditions.
• Recognise that people have different beliefs and ways of living, and that these should be respected.
• Begin to reflect on what is important to themselves and others.

Through our enquiry-based approach, children learn through discussion, role play, storytelling, creative activities, music, outdoor learning and continuous provision. They encounter important Christian concepts such as God, Creation, Incarnation and Salvation through carefully planned experiences that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

Examples of enquiry questions explored in Reception include:

• Why is the word God important to Christians?
• Why do Christians perform nativity plays at Christmas?

By the end of Reception, children will have begun to develop the knowledge, vocabulary and confidence to talk about similarities and differences between people, communities and beliefs. They will be able to express their own ideas and experiences while showing respect for the views and traditions of others, providing strong foundations for future learning in Religious Education.

Early Learning Goals

RE supports children in working towards the EYFS Early Learning Goals, particularly:

Understanding the World: People, Culture and Communities

• Know some similarities and differences between different religious and cultural communities in this country.
• Explain some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries.
• Describe their immediate environment using knowledge from observation, discussion, stories and experiences.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Show sensitivity to their own needs and the needs of others.
• Understand the importance of respect, kindness and cooperation.
• Develop positive relationships with peers and adults from a range of backgrounds.

Through these experiences, children begin their journey towards becoming thoughtful, respectful and reflective learners who are curious about the diverse world in which they live.