At pre-school we offer a curriculum which encourages children to progress towards meeting the Early Learning Goals, as detailed in the QCA Guidance for the Foundation Stage. (This is a Government recommendation which continues through until the end of your child’s Reception Year in primary school.)   

For children from birth to three years, we give regard to and incorporate the ‘Birth to Three Matters’ framework, which sets out four key entitlements for young children.  These key areas being

BIRTH TO THREE

A Strong Child

The children are encouraged to develop close relationships with their key-person to help them promote self assurance and a sense of belonging to provide a secure base in which to learn and try new experiences.  A strong child is about young children being strong, confident, capable and self assured. 

Skilful Communicator

We encourage children to make friendships where they will learn about other people, communicating and sharing their feelings and experiences.  Through opportunities for talk with adults and peers, and through stories, songs, mime and gesture, children learn to become skilful communicators. 

Healthy Child

We provide an environment that protects children from harm and abuse and provide a safe structure in which they can learn to take their own risks such as climbing or riding a bike.  We provide boundaries and aim to help them learn to become independent at their own pace. 

Competent Learner

Our setting allows the children the opportunity to take part in planned and unplanned activities that will help them to build upon and experience new connections with the more complex ideas about the world.  They will have the scope to be imaginative, creative and to express their ideas and represent them. 

THE EARLY LEARNING GOALS

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

The children are individually supported in order to develop confidence and self-esteem. They are encouraged to work and play both independently and as a member of a group, sharing their news with the other children and adults. Through activities, conversation and practical examples they learn acceptable ways to expresstheir own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others.

Communication, Language and Literacy

The children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking, listening, responding to stories, songs and rhymes. The children are helped tounderstand that written symbols carry meaning. They are made aware of the purposes of writing and when ready are able to use drawn and written symbols for themselves. A well stocked book corner gives every child the opportunity to become familiar with literature.

Mathematics

The children become familiar with sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities which form the basis of early Mathematics. They use their developing mathematical understanding to identify objects by shape, position, size, volume and number. We use songs, games, posters and picture books to help the children to become aware of number sequences.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Pre-school’s safe and stimulating environment allows the children to explore and experiment with a wide range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognise similarities, differences and patterns and share their findings with the group.

Creative Development

The children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources to express their ideas and feelings creatively. Art equipment including paint, glue, crayons and pencils as well as junk modelling provide the opportunity to explore colour, shape and texture. The children are actively developing skills in painting, drawing and collage. There are many opportunities for imaginative role-play, both individually and as part of a group.

Physical Development

Our range of equipment both indoor and outdoor allows the children’s physical skills to develop. Outside we see their motor skills  improving which boosts both confidence and enjoyment. Fine motor skills are aided by the use of tools, including pens and pencils as well as handling small objects with increasing control and precision.