Curriculum

Our children work within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which was implemented throughout England in September 2008 and reviewed in 2012.  This framework sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five, and our children will usually complete their last year of this stage during their first year at Primary School (Reception).

The four core principles are:

Unique Child - recognises that every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self- assured

Practitioners

• understand and observe each child’s development and learning, assess progress, plan for next steps
• support children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture
• identify any need for additional support
• keep children safe
• value and respect all children and their families equally 

Positive Relationships – describes how children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships 

Positive realtionships are

• warm and loving, and foster a sense of belonging
• sensitive and responsive to the child’s needs, feelings and interests
• supportive of the child’s own efforts and independence
• consistent iin setting clear boundaries
• stimulating
• built on key person relationships in early years settings

Enabling Environments – describes how 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 parents and carers

Enabling Environments

• value all people
• value learning

They offer:

• stimulating resources, relevant to the children’s cultures and communities
• rich learning opportunities through play and playful teaching
• support for children to take risks and explore

Learning and Development – recognises that children develop and learn in different ways.  The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities

The learning, care and education offered by our setting helps children to continue to do this by providing all of the children with interesting activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.  Practitioners teach children by ensuring challenging, playful opportunities across the prime and specific areas of learning and development.

They foster the characteristics of effective learning

• playing and exploring
• active learning
• creating and thinking critically