Learning Journey
​"Play is our brain's favourite way of learning". Diane Ackerman
Our Approach
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Children learn best through their play, especially when supported by experienced and qualified staff.
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Our continuous provision supported by daily focussed activities, ensures that the children have many opportunities to learn and develop their skills. The continuous provision which is always available to the children includes, mark making, numbers, shapes, role play, messy activities, literacy, construction and investigation/exploring. Alongside this, staff will plan individual activities which support specific areas of learning.
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Each ½ term we will follow a theme eg. favourite stories, animals, myself. Plans are displayed in the lobby and parent/carers are encouraged to participate in the theme, for example by bringing in items from home which are relevant. Plans always remain flexible so that we can respond to the children’s individual needs and interests.
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One of our commitments to the children is to teach and encourage active, healthy living. This is supported by providing free flow freedom to outdoor play, along with carefully planned cooking sessions and snack time.
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The preschool plans the children's learning based on the children's individual needs and with reference to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Early Years Foundation
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The EYFS details 7 areas of learning and development which all children must have access to. There are 3 Primary Areas, which are focussed on whilst children are at preschool and 4 Specific Areas which the Primary Areas support and lead into.
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Primary Areas
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Develop social skills (playing together, relating to adults, dealing with feelings of anger etc). Encourage a positive attitude for learning and support the development of self confidence and self awareness.
Communication and Language
Develops listening and attention, whilst checking a child's understanding. Activities encourage and extend speech skills.
Physical Development
Practice and develop gross and fine motor control movements through physical activity eg. running, jumping, ball games. Develop an understanding of how their bodies work and encourage independence in self care.
Specific Areas
Literacy
Group story time and sharing a book with an adult help to promote a love of reading and support the early stages of reading. Opportunities to mark make are the basis of early writing skills; those children who are ready to begin writing will be supported on an individual basis.
Mathematics
Encourage an understanding of numbers, patterns, shape and measurement. Use mathematical language eg. big, small, more than, add one.
Understanding of the World
Learn about their environment, people and places. This can encompass, science, geography, history together with technology. Activities could include; gardening, nature walks, using magnets, weather diaries, old toys, using construction toys.
Expressive arts and design
Express their thoughts, ideas and feelings through art, music/movement and design/technology. A wide variety of materials will be provided. Role play and small world activities are used to support the development of imagination.
Keyworkers
All children are allocated a named keyworker when they first join preschool. The keyworker will help your child become familiar with the setting, be a friendly face to meet them and ensure that their needs are being met. It is important that children feel secure and settled whilst they are with us, as this gives them the confidence to explore and gain new experiences. The keyperson will be there to ‘hold the child’s hand’ as they become comfortable in their surroundings.
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They will also be responsible for monitoring progress and development, and be your first point of contact for anything to do with your child.
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Please see our Keyworker policy for further information.