We’re so excited to share that we’ve created our very own curriculum, built around the heart of what Oakland Lodge is all about — growing confident, kind, and capable individuals.
Our daily affirmations, “I am Strong, I am Smart, I am Loved” have become such an important part of our routine, and now we’ve taken it one step further. These affirmations are now the foundation of our very own curriculum.
You may have already noticed when reading your child’s observations that these “I am” statements now sit alongside the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework. That’s because we’ve carefully woven the 7 areas of learning from the EYFS into our curriculum, grouping them under each affirmation:
• ‘I am Smart’ supports learning in areas like communication, literacy, maths, and understanding the world.
• ‘I am Strong’ supports physical development and self-confidence — helping children to feel capable, resilient, and proud of themselves.
• ‘I am Loved’ nurtures personal, social and emotional development, and expressive arts — helping children to connect, express, and feel a true sense of belonging.
Each room has created its own unique goals under these “I am” statements, focusing on what they hope children will achieve before moving on to their next stage — whether that’s a new room or starting school.
Over the next few months, you’ll continue to see both the EYFS links and our own “I am” curriculum in your child’s learning journey. This is to help build a clear picture of how everything fits together. From the end of the summer, we’ll be moving fully over to our own curriculum, but rest assured — we will always be working within the EYFS framework, just in a way that reflects who we are as a setting.
Below is a little insight as to how our new curriculum links to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
How Our “I Am” Curriculum Links to the EYFS Framework
At Oakland Lodge, we’ve created a values-led curriculum that keeps the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework at its heart, while bringing our daily affirmations — I am Strong, I am Smart, I am Loved’ to life in a meaningful and nurturing way.
Each of our “I am” statements reflect key areas of children’s development. Many areas of the EYFS naturally connect to more than one of our affirmations. Children don’t grow in just one direction — they grow in every direction at once, and our curriculum celebrates that!
Focus: Confidence • Resilience • Physical Development
This part of our curriculum supports children in becoming capable, resilient, and independent. It includes aspects of:
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
• Communication and Language (especially in expressing needs and making choices)
• Understanding the World (through risk-taking, independence and exploration
This area celebrates curiosity and learning — encouraging children to solve problems, ask questions and develop a love for discovering. It includes:
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Communication and Language
Focus: Thinking • Exploring • Learning Skills
Focus: Wellbeing • Relationships • Belonging
At the core of this strand is helping children feel safe, valued and part of a community. It includes:
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
• Expressive Arts and Design
• Communication and Language (particularly through listening, turn-taking and conversation)
Some areas of the EYFS may appear under more than one of our “I am” statements — and that’s a good thing! For example, when your child joins in a group story time, they are Smart (developing listening and language skills), Strong (building confidence to speak up), and Loved (feeling included and connected to others).
Our curriculum is designed to reflect not just what children can do, but who they are and who they are becoming. We’re still working within the full EYFS framework, but in a way that’s personal, positive, and purposeful for every child here at Butterfly Barns.
