Curriculum
All the children follow the ‘Early Years Foundation stage’ framework.
The entire curriculum framework is covered through a holistic
play-based approach, where children learn by taking part in carefully planned experiences and activities in a carefully planned environment. We encourage children to learn through playing and to make choices about the activities they do. During each session, your child will take part in both self-chosen and adult-led activities. The Children are encouraged to make choices about the activities they do during the session, and staff are experts at using these interests as opportunities for learning and development
Children learn independence and self-care through
daily routines and play
One of the key areas of Learning for young children is to become independent and learn self-care skills. We encourage children to do things for themselves such as putting on their coat, changing shoes, going to the toilet and hand washing. Our daily routines are designed to support this
Each child will have a ‘key person’ who will regularly assess and plan for their development and progress in each area
Children do not complete worksheets and therefore they will not be coming home with perfectly finished pieces of work to show what they have done. For example to develop fine motor skills, pencil grip and control for future writing we do not ask a child to sit at a table and do worksheets, instead they are encouraged to use a stick in the mud or sand, painting or magnetic boards, they are still developing the skills but in a relaxed and fun way. We believe that this encourages a child to develop an enjoyment for learning that will last throughout their educational years.
Supporting children’s physical development. We plan opportunities and experiences to enable children to develop both fine and gross motor skills. We encourage the children to be active throughout the session and limit the amount of time spent sitting at activities.
Key Groups
Before each child starts pre-school they will be allocated a ‘Key Person’ who they will meet at the induction session. She will be the main adult who will form a special relationship with your child, support them during settling-in and has responsibility for keeping track of progress. She will record and monitor current abilities and plan for progression. You can discuss anything about your child at any time with her and will be regularly invited to a parent’s consultation where your child’s progress will be reviewed.
Each key group has a name, Butterflies, Ducks or Caterpillars, Snails and Bees and the key person will establish a strong group identity so your child will understand that they belong to this smaller group within the setting.
‘WOW‘ little people, big achievement’ are cards that are sometimes sent to home to share new skills, examples of outstanding behaviour with family.
Snack Time
This is a very important time of day where children can come to the snack table to sit together, chat and have something to eat and drink in a relaxed atmosphere.
We provide a healthy range of food and encourage every child to try the food. It is our policy to only offer children milk or water to drink at snack time. In addition, the children bring their own water bottle, every day and are regularly reminded and encouraged to keep hydrated during the session.
The days menu is available in the window for you to see and. Children’s likes and dislikes are taken into consideration when planning the menu however we feel strongly that children should be introduced to and encouraged to try new foods as research shows that children often need to be offered food many times before they will try it. Ladybird
Pre-school is committed to encouraging all children to develop healthy eating habits.