Early Years Foundation Stage

The incorporation of the Three Prime Areas:

Communication and Language

In both small and large groups, children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and language skills by listening and responding to stories through the use of songs and rhymes.  Children are supported to understand that written symbols carry meaning. They are made aware of the purpose of writing and when they are ready, use drawn and written symbols themselves. A well-stocked book corner gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books, to be able to handle them correctly and to be aware of their uses both for reference and as a source of stories and pictures.

Physical Development

A range of equipment and opportunities allow children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use of their own body. The level of adult input allows children to safely create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing.  At the same time children are encouraged in the development of fine motor skills enabling them to use tools including pens and pencils and to handle small objects with greater control and precision. This area also teaches children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and self-care.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Within a nurturing environment children are individually supported in developing confidence, autonomy and self-respect.  They are encouraged to work and concentrate independently and also take part in the life of the group, sharing and co-operating with other children and adults.  Children learn through activities, conversation and practical example. They learn acceptable ways to express their own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others.  All children are given the opportunity, as appropriate, to take responsibility for themselves and also for the group, group members and property. Children also learn to relate to other children and adults.

The incorporation of the Specific Areas:

Literacy

Children learn reading and writing skills, including phonic knowledge, simple reading and emergent writing. Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of the purpose of writing and when they are ready, to use drawn and written symbols themselves.

Mathematics

By means of adult supported practical experiences, children are able to become familiar with the sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities which form the basis for early mathematics.  As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisted to learn and use the vocabulary of mathematics, identifying objects by shape, position, size, volume and number.  Songs, games and picture books help children become aware of number sequencing and when they are ready, to use simple mathematical operations such as adding. Children can recognise shapes and use simple mathematical language.

Understanding of the World

A safe and stimulating environment allows children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials.  They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patterns and similarities.  Children are assisted in exploring and understanding their environment both within the group and also in the wider community.  A range of safe and well-maintained equipment enables children to extend their technological understanding using simple tools and techniques appropriate to achieve their intentions and to solve problems.

Expressive Arts and Design

Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources and their imagination in order to express their own ideas and feelings and to construct their individual response to experience in two and three dimensions.  Art equipment including paint, glue, crayons and pencils as well as natural and discarded resources provides for open ended exploration of colour, shape, texture and the development of skills in painting, drawing and collage.  Children join in with and respond to music and stories.  There are many opportunities for imaginative role-play both individually and as part of the group.