In the Early Years, we love to learn through fun and engaging hands-on experiences, with the emphasis on independent thinking, creativity, communication and social skills. Throughout the day, the children take part in both adult guided and independent activities developing their skills, knowledge and understanding. The children’s learning experiences are balanced between learning in their classrooms and learning outside.
Teaching in Reception and Nursery is organised through a range of approaches and provides a balance of child initiated and adult led activities:
- Planned focused activities where adults work with a small group of children at a time. Teachers will differentiate the activity to meet the needs of every child participating
- Small group teaching of early reading and writing through our phonics based programme and talk writing for approach
- Whole Class teaching for short periods of time such as shared story time, direct teaching (for example of maths), songs, rhymes and discussions
- Opportunities for teacher to work alongside children as they develop their own interest in particular areas of the curriculum
In the Foundation Stage the curriculum is made up of seven areas of learning:
The Prime areas are fundamental and work together, and filter through all other areas to support development:
- Personal, social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
The Specific areas include essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully in society:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Clear and open communications with parents and carers is a priority for us. We work with parents to ensure that every child settles quickly into the setting and continue to work in partnership with them throughout their child’s time in the early years.