Within the group all the children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace. Our detailed planning enables us to ensure a curriculum tailored to the needs of each individual child. By means of developmentlly appropriate play activities and a high level of individual adult input, we offer a curriculum which leads to nationally approved learning outcomes and prepares children to progress with confidence to the National Curriculum at the age of 5 years.

Language & Literacy

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

Personal   & Social development

Within a nurturing environment, children are individually supported in developing confidence, independence, self esteem and a positive attitude. They are encouraged to work and concentrate independently and also to take part in the life of the group, sharing & co-operating with other children and adults. Through activities, conversation and practical examples, 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 groups, its members and its property.

Mathematics

By means of adult suported practical experience, children become familiar with the sorting, ordering, sequencing and counting activities which form the basis of early mathematics. As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisted to learn and use the vocabulary of mathematics by shape, position, size, volume and number. Songs, games and picture books help children become awrae of number sequences and, when they are ready, to use simple mathematical operations such as adding.

Knowledge & Understanding of the World

A safe and stimulating environment allows children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and maunfactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patterns and similarities and to share and record their findings. 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 as appropriate to achieve their intentions and to solve problems.

Physical Development

A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and outdooors, allows children to develop self confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own body skills. A very high level of adult supervision enables children to create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are supported in the development of fine motor skills required to use tools, including pencils and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision.

Creative development

Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own ideas and feelings and to construct their individual response to experince 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 and texture, and development of skills in painting, drawing and collage. Children join in with and respond to music and stories and their are many opportunities for imaginative role play, both individually and as part of the group.