Learning and Development
The provision for children’s development and learning is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our provision reflects the four overreaching principles for the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
· A unique child
Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable and self-assured
· Positive relationships
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
· Enabling environments
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and carers.
· Learning and development
Children develop and learn in different ways. The framework covers the education of all children in the early years, including children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Areas of Learning and Development
Prime Areas:
· Personal, Social and Emotional Development
· Physical Development
· Communication and Language
Specific Areas:
· Literacy
· Mathematics
· Understanding the World
· Expressive Arts and Design
We always offer a balance between adult led activities and child led play where the children are free to choose from all the resources on offer.
At every session we offer at least one adult led activity chosen to promote a particular aspect of learning or well-being, based on our observations and assessment's of the children's needs. For example, staff will invite children to come to a session where they will do fun activities which are focussed on specific educational attainment. All children are encouraged to be active participants.
In the pre-school room we also get together in small key person groups, this really helps to promote the relationships between the children and their key person and with their peers.
Every session we will come together as a whole group. We might sing together, dance, do an obstacle course or a game, play instruments or act out a story together. We also use this time to celebrate birthdays, special events in the children's lives and what we have been enjoying that day.
The rest of the session has a free flow approach: the children are free to choose from all the activities and resources on offer, indoors and out with the staff supporting and promoting their learning.
We go outside whatever the weather, and sometimes have outings around the village - a favourite is a trip to the shop. Visitors come and see us - community police, local fire fighters and members of the local church.