The Early Years Foundation Stage

Our experience and professional teaching staff carefully plan learning around the seven areas within the Early Years Foundation Stage:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal Social and Emotional Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding of the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING

In planning and guiding children on their learning journey teachers provide daily opportunities for:

• Playing and exploring; supporting children to investigate and experiment with different experiences 
• Active learning; helping children to concentrate and develop resilience as learners even when they encounter difficulties
• Critical thinking; encouraging children to develop their own ideas, make links between them and to develop strategies for doing things

OUR APPROACH TO LEARNING

Learning is child-led, allowing children to develop knowledge and understanding of the world around them through topics which interest and excite them.  Learning new skills and developing independence is given high priority so that children understand how to learn and where to find information that interests them.  This approach ensures children adopt a love of learning and feel confident about themselves as learners, both in these early years and throughout their school life.  Children develop quickly in these early years and we want to ensure their early experiences have a positive impact on their future life choices.

Children are given the opportunity to learn both inside and outside the classroom, and enjoy moving freely between the two. In the home corner they develop an understanding of the world around them, expressing their views and sharing information and experiences.  In the construction area children develop coordination and enhance their problem-solving skills. In the messy play area, they enjoy painting and making things, developing control and creative thinking.