CURRICULUM

 

Here at Poulner Pre-School we base our curriculum around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) set within the context of family, local community, changing seasons and special days of the year. We encourage child-initiated activities to develop independence. As each child develops at a different rate, our staff will monitor and assess each child individually and on a daily basis to provide the best possible activities and experiences to extend their learning and development.

 

The EYFS is the mandatory framework which covers the stage of children’s development from birth to the end of their first (Reception) year in school. The EYFS Framework describes how early years practitioners should work with children and their families to support their learning and development.

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Aims of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum   

 

Every child deserves the best possible start in life to fulfil their potential. A secure, safe and happy childhood provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. When parents choose child-care, they want to be sure that the child-care provision will keep their children safe and help them to thrive. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework that provides parents with that assurance.

 

The priority of the EYFS is to help young children achieve the 5 Every Child Matters outcomes of:

 

• staying safe

• being healthy

• enjoying and achieving

• making a positive contribution

• achieving economic well-being

 

EYFS ensures that pre-schools promote these outcomes by:

 

• setting standards

• ensuring equality of opportunity

• creating a framework for partnership between parents and child-care professionals

• improving quality and consistency in child-care

• encouraging child-care providers to lay a secure foundation for future learning

 

 

The 7 Areas of Learning and Development 

The EYFS explains how and what your child will be learning to give them a firm foundation for a successful start at school. Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of Learning and Development.

 

Of these, children usually develop the 3 Prime Areas first. These are:

 

• Communication and Language

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

 

As children grow these Prime Areas will help them to develop skills in the 4 Specific Areas:

 

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the world

• Expressive arts and design

 

These 7 areas are used to plan your child’s learning. At Poulner Pre-School we use a fun, play based approach to supporting learning and development in the early years. Learning is guided by exceptional staff who skillfully support children’s learning and development through effective teaching. Each child’s learning and development is recorded and celebrated through a unique Learning Journey.

 

Our staff will be happy to provide you with more information about the EYFS.