The curriculum is based upon the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
This is how the Government and early years professionals describe your child’s learning between birth and age 5. It is a framework setting the standards for learning, development and care for children during this period. All Nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes and child-minders must follow the same legal document called the EYFS Framework which can be accessed at www.foundationyears.org.uk. By following links to parents you can find a document for parents about the EYFS, and other information.
We record the children’s progress using Tapestry and every parent will have a log in so that they can see and add to their child’s record. Tapestry’s introductory page for parents / carers is here.
Personal Social and Emotional Development
Children are individually supported in developing confidence, autonomy and self-respect. They are encouraged to work and concentrate independently and also to take part in the life of the group, sharing and co-operating with other children and adults.
They learn acceptable ways to express their own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others through activities and practical example. All children are given opportunity, as appropriate, to take responsibility for themselves and also for the group, its members and its property.
Communication and Language
In both small and large groups, children are encouraged to expand their vocabulary and fluency by talking and listening. They have opportunities to hear and respond to stories, songs and rhymes. Every child has the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books which are provided in a variety of ways, from book corner, to some books in the outside area. Books can be used for information as well as stories and rhymes.
Physical Development
A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and out of doors, allows children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own bodily skills. A very high level of adult supervision enables children safely to develop increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are supported in the development of the fine motor skills required to use tools including pens and pencils and to handle small objects with increasing control.
Literacy
Children take part in rhyming and rhythmic activities, developing an awareness of sounds and early phonics. They develop an awareness of print and become aware of the purposes of writing. When they are ready they begin to give meaning to marks they make.
Mathematics
Children have many practical opportunities to sort, match, order and count objects. Adults support these activities which form the basis for early mathematics. Children learn to identify objects by shape, position, size, volume and number. Songs, games and picture books help the children become aware of number sequences. The children are able to use their developing mathematical understanding to explore practical problems.
Understanding the world
The stimulating environment of pre-school allows children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances and to share and record their findings. Children are assisted in exploring and understanding their environment, both within the group and also in the wider community. A range of safe and well-maintained equipment enables children to extend their technical understanding, using simple tools and techniques as appropriate to achieve their intentions and solve problems. Children also have use of a computer, programmable toys and sound recording equipment.
Expressive Arts and Design
Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own ideas and feelings, constructing their own response to experiences in two or three dimensions. Art equipment, including paint, glue, crayons and pencils as well as natural and discarded resources are available. This provides for open-ended exploration of colour, shape and texture and the development of skills in painting, drawing and collage. Children join in with and respond to music and stories and there are many opportunities for imaginative role play, both individually and as part of a group.