We recognise that every child matters, and that each child is unique. Therefore, we acknowledge that every learning journey will be different as children and will learn and develop at different paces.
To ensure sure that each child’s learning and developmental needs are met, each child is assessed when they start and at regular intervals throughout the year. Assessment takes into account the contributions of staff, parents, carers and the children themselves.
Staff take a genuine interest in children, encouraging their interests and endeavours.
Each child is assigned to a key person and children’s progress is monitored regularly through observation and recording by both the key person and the Class Teacher.
Information is shared by staff and families so that together, children may be offered opportunities to learn and develop as individuals.
Children learn best when they have strong loving relationships with families and the Early Years Foundation Stage staff. All staff will get to know children well and each child will have a key worker to work with more closely who will show particular interest and encourage a child’s development
Staff are trained in early years development in order to support children to build confidence in themselves.
Positive links are made with pre-schools to enable good transition at the start of the year.
An atmosphere of mutual respect, friendliness and kindness will be nurtured in all relationships between families and staff.
Children are provided with plenty of space both inside and outside to set up activities and to encourage energetic play.
There is a good selection of equipment and resources. Learning is structured to challenge and interest children enabling them to explore, play and talk. In this way they progress spiritually, socially, intellectually, physically, emotionally and creatively.
Equipment and resources are rotated regularly and can be used in a variety of different ways. The space and all equipment is regularly risk assessed to ensure that the environment is safe.
Time, opportunities and resources are provided to encourage children of differing abilities and disabilities to learn and develop at their own pace.
Play and Exploration
Children learn best through play. Children will be offered opportunities to experience a wide variety of individual play, with other children and with adult involvement.
Playful Learning
Children learn actively through physical and mental challenges. They will be offered opportunities to explore and investigate things that interest them, involving people, objects, ideas and events.
Creativity and Critical Thinking
Children’s creativity and critical thinking develops with open ended activities and from opportunities to move equipment around both inside and outside to make new connections. Children will be encouraged to explore and try out new ideas sharing their thinking with other children and adults to improve their understanding.
Areas of Learning and Development
There are seven areas of learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage, all are interlinked and equally important.
Three areas are particularly crucial for promoting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. These three areas, the prime areas, are:
· communication and language
· physical development
· personal, social and emotional development.
The prime areas are supported by four specific areas, which are:
· literacy
· mathematics
· understanding the world