Curriculum

We follow the statutory framework set out for children from 0-5 years, known as the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). This framework is used in all settings and continues into Reception, your child’s first year at school. This framework sets standards for the learning, development and care of all children and is linked to each observation and activity that we provide the children in our care. All children learn in different ways and at their own paces so we adapt and encourage learning and development in many different ways and through many different experiences. We hold regular parents evenings, giving parents and staff the opportunity to discuss the children’s learning, accomplishments and any concerns there may be.  We use the Development Matters as our framework.

Areas of Learning

The different areas of learning that we follow in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage are as follows…

• Communication and Language (all ages)
• Physical Development (all ages)
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (all ages)
• Literacy (from 3 years old)
• Mathematics (from 3 years old)
• Understanding the World (from 3 years old)
• Expressive Arts and Design (from 3 years old)

All observations and reports are based on the areas of learning and we use tracking to show where each child is in their own stage of development in each area of learning.

Planning

We plan for all children on a weekly basis, using the EYFS and the children’s tracking as a guideline for what outcomes we hope to achieve from each activity. Everything set out for the children to play with is planned in advance (unless activities are requested by children or we spontaneously explore new ideas) and therefore all the activities are enhancing the children’s learning continuously. Planning can be explained in depth on request and we have our planning board available for parents to see what areas of learning and outcomes each activity offer their child.

Tapestry

Your child’s learning journal will be completed online by their assigned key person. The online learning journal system we use is called Tapestry and is a secure online programme that parents have access to using their own email address and a password of their choice. All parents only have access to their own children’s profiles so it is very safe. This system allows you as parents better access and more involvement with your child’s learning and development.

You should expect to receive one photograph/video or written observation per week minimum on your child and you will see that all observations link in and are used to track where your child’s learning and development sit within the statutory EYFS framework. We also complete the termly progress reports on this system too and send them home for you to keep.

We ask that parents fill in the child’s ‘all about me’ section and reply/comment in the journal to compliment home-school relations and consistency within your child’s learning and development. We also ask you as a parent to add observations and any trips, birthdays, new achievements, etc to show parent input in your child’s learning.