Carlton Junior And Infant School

EYFS Parent Support

Welcome to the EYFS Parent Support section

At Carlton Junior & Infants, we know that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Your child’s first years at school are full of exciting opportunities to explore, play, and develop the skills they need for lifelong learning. This section gives you practical ideas, advice, and resources to support your child at home and enjoy learning together.

Learning at Home

Children in the EYFS learn best through play, exploration, and everyday experiences. Here are some ways you can support learning at home:

Reading Together

Read stories daily, making it fun and interactive.

Ask questions about the story to develop comprehension and critical thinking: “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did that happen?”

Use Oxford Owl (login details provided by your class teacher) for free e-books and reading activities.

Encourage your child to choose books independently and enjoy sharing them with you.

Visit your local library regularly to explore new books, join story sessions, and foster a love of reading.

Phonics Practise

Play Fred Games at home: blend sounds into words using the characters and techniques your child has learnt at school.

Reinforce Set 1 Speed Sounds and practise oral blending with fun games and flashcards.

Read decodable books with your child, focusing on taught sounds for early success.

Vocabulary & Language Development

Talk with your child during play, daily routines, and story time.

Repeat new words and phrases, narrate what your child is doing, and ask open-ended questions.

Encourage your child to explain their ideas and take time to respond.

Use objects, pictures, and gestures to support understanding, especially for children who are still developing speech.

Gross and Fine Motor Development

Dough Disco: Fun finger exercises using playdough to strengthen small muscles in hands, preparing children for writing.

Squiggle While You Wiggle: Movement-based activity linking large arm/body movements to early mark-making. Children draw shapes in the air or on paper while moving to music, building coordination, balance, and writing readiness.

Encourage drawing, cutting, threading, and other creative activities to develop fine motor skills further.

Maths and Problem Solving

Count everyday objects together: stairs, fruit, toys.

Play simple board games or sorting activities to develop number recognition, comparison, and reasoning.

Bake or cook together: measure, pour, and observe changes to support practical maths understanding.

Subitizing: Encourage your child to recognise small quantities without counting (e.g., dots on dice, fingers, or counters).

Spatial Awareness: Use puzzles, blocks, or building toys to help your child understand position, direction, and how shapes fit together. Discuss terms like “over,” “under,” “next to,” and “behind.”

50 Things to Do Before You’re Five

Tick off 50 fun activities to enjoy with your child before they turn five! This initiative encourages curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning.

Get started:

Download the 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five app to track activities.

Explore your local area to discover exciting places to visit with your little one.

Activity Ideas:

Paddle or splash in a stream – what can you see in the water?

Find a tunnel, viaduct, or subway – shout or whisper and notice how the sound changes.

Spot a bridge nearby – what is it made from? What passes over or under it?

Discover lakes, ponds, fountains, or other water features – what can you find?

Safety First: Always supervise children near water, follow road safety guidelines, and check parking availability if driving.

Tip: Keep an eye out for invitations to our stay-and-play sessions, where you can explore activities with your child in the Foundation Stage setting.

Supporting Reading and Phonics at Home

Your child will bring home a phonics sound book and a decodable reading book.

Encourage daily practice and celebrate successes, no matter how small.

Storytelling and conversation are just as important as decoding words. Ask questions and encourage your child to explain their ideas.

Continue oral blending and sound recognition games to reinforce learning from school.

Use Tapestry, our online learning journal, to see what your child is learning, share observations from home and track progress together with school staff.

High-Quality Adult Interactions

Talk and listen to your child regularly. Your conversations help build language, confidence, and independence.

Echo back new words and phrases to extend your child's vocabulary.

Use gestures, facial expressions, and visual cues to support understanding.

Give your child time to respond to questions and ideas; pausing allows them to process and plan their answers.

Model curiosity and problem-solving in everyday situations to encourage your child to think critically.

Oral Health

Good oral health is an important part of your child’s overall wellbeing. Starting healthy habits early can prevent tooth decay and promote lifelong dental care.

Why oral health matters:

Nearly a quarter of 5-year-olds in England have tooth decay, affecting 3–4 teeth on average.

Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures for children under 6 in hospital.

Toothache or dental treatment can affect eating, sleeping, socialising, and learning.

Supporting your child at home:

Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Encourage children to spit out toothpaste and not swallow it.

Reduce sugary snacks and drinks.

Make brushing fun – sing songs, use timers, or let children choose their toothbrush.

Regular dental check-ups from a young age help prevent problems before they develop.

Learn more about oral health:

Health Matters: Child Dental Health – GOV.UK