Curriculum
“An exceptionally well developed knowledge of each child’s needs ensure that children’s welfare and learning is promoted with great success” Ofsted report 2009/10
The department of Education has issued a statutory Framework for settings, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The framework sets out the legal requirements for the care of young children relating to Learning, Development and Welfare. These are important areas all parents need to be comfortable with before choosing any type of childcare for their young children.
Parents at the Yaxley & Mellis Pre-School have told us they like to be kept informed on the EYFS as the framework not only provides legal requirements, but also structure around the four key areas of learning and development as well as focus in helping young children achieve their full potential. The EYFS framework sets the UK standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five.
The curriculum is built around four principles
A Unique Child
Positive Relationships
Enabling Environments
Learning and Development
Parents are kept informed of the development of their child’s progress within the four principles the EYFS framework through regular dialogue with their child’s carer and through the individual development folder of each child.
To give you a basic understanding of the four principles, we have summarised the main points,
however please take a look at www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/ should you be interested in more
detailed information.
A Unique Child
At the Yaxley & Mellis Pre-School we focus on how children develop; we recognise they are all different, but should be treated equally. Positive relationships and good communication are vital. Children need to learn about risks and safety, how to make good choices and how to stick to boundaries. We make every attempt to provide full opportunity for each child to do their best and we achieve this by ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met during their time at our setting.
Positive Relationships
The theme is about children learning to manage their feelings and build relationships. We respect all kinds of families and aim to develop a positive two-way relationship with parents. We will support, listen and work with the children at Yaxley & Mellis Pre-School to help them learn. We have a nominated key carer for each child at Yaxley & Mellis Pre-School to ensure each child has the opportunity of building a close relationship and is well monitored during their time with us.
Enabling Environments
We plan and check on each child’s progress and make every attempt to involve parents and the local community. We ensure that inside and outside spaces of the setting are safe, interesting and engaging.
Our staff support children when they move on, working as a team to help children succeed.
Learning and Development
The Yaxley & Mellis Pre-School focuses on ensuring young children learn through play and exploration,
with support for each individual. We encourage children to develop imagination, to get actively involved in learning and to make decisions. We make every attempt to develop children’s creative and critical thinking, balancing the need for both the children and adults to lead the learning.
We work towards the following specific goals to help us all work within the framework:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development, helping to build confidence, concentration, independence
and respect.
Communication, Language and Literacy, developing speaking and listening skills and beginning to read
and write.
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy, focusing on number work, mathematical ideas and thinking.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World, helping children investigate and think about their place in
the world.
Physical Development, relating to developing physical skills and understanding.
Creative Development, centred around building children’s imagination.
Welfare, ensuring we are all aware of our responsibility for children’s welfare. We will look after your child properly and help them to stay healthy. We also ensure that Yaxley & Mellis Pre-School is a safe and positive place for children.