We believe that each child is a unique being; an individual who brings to the class their own knowledge, experiences, interests and questions. We also believe that children coming from different backgrounds have varying needs and styles of learning and should be treated fairly regardless of race, gender or ability. Children need to feel safe, loved, respected and secure in order to learn. In the Pre- School children use play and other creative and imaginative activities to learn and make sense of the world . Learning at this stage is child centered and provides opportunities for children to learn to be in control of their own learning.

The Foundation Stage curriculum is designed to address six areas of development:

· Personal, Social and Emotional Development
· Communication, Language and Literacy
· Mathematical Development (Numeracy)
· Understanding and Knowledge of the world
· Physical (Fine and Gross Motor) Development
· Creative Development.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

This area of learning is about emotional well-being; knowing who you are, where you fit in and feeling good about yourself. It is also about developing respect for others, social competence and a positive disposition to learn. We believe that children are social beings and display differing personalities Children learn how to function as group members, how to ask for help, how to complete a task and put things away. We encourage children to be responsible for their own belongings and class equipment. We ensure they know the daily routine and encourage their independence. We are able to achieve this through a play based curriculum which allows for independent choices and individual development.

Communication, Language and Literacy

The development and use of communication and language is at the heart of young children’s learning. Learning to listen and speak emerge from non-verbal communication, including eye-contact, bending the head to listen, hand gestures and taking turns. These skills develop as children express their needs and feelings, interact with others and establish their own identities and personalities. The ability to communicate gives children the capacity to participate more fully in society. This area of development includes language for communication and for thinking, linking sounds and letters, reading, writing and handwriting.

Teachers provide children with opportunities to revisit ideas and skills, use literacy – based skills in real-life contexts, and provide them with many ways to communicate, read and write as they participate in both indoor and outdoor learning activities.

Mathematical Development (Numeracy)

This area of learning includes counting, sorting, matching, seeking patterns, making connections, recognizing relationships and working with numbers, shapes, space and measure.

Numeracy is an important part of every day learning. Children “play” with mathematics in a variety of ways. A variety of activities are planned that involve whole group, small group and individual activities. Math experiences may include reading (or being read to), writing, and is often involved in science activities. Math sessions include calendar and attendance taking, some paper and pencil tasks, game playing, mental problem solving, and use of manipulatives and other materials. Activities are planned to include some adaptation as necessary for children who need a greater challenge, or more support or experience with lower level skills.

Through careful observation, conversations, and guidance, adults help children make connections between mathematics in familiar situations and new ones. Adults provide access to books and stories with numbers and patterns; to music with actions and directions such as up, down, in and out; or to games that involve rules and taking turn.

Knowledge and Understanding of the world

We believe children have a range of knowledge, skills and understanding on which to build and are naturally curious and keen to learn. In this area of learning children are developing the crucial knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. This forms the foundation of their work in science, design and technology, history, geography and information and communication technology (ICT). We want to create an environment where each child has the time, confidence and freedom to learn at their own pace, explore their own interests and begin to make sense of the world.

Physical Development

Physical development in the Foundation Stage is about improving skills of co-ordination, control, movement and manipulation. It also helps children gain confidence in what they can do and enables them to feel the positive benefits of being healthy and active. Young children’s physical development is inseparable from all other aspects of development because they learn through being active and interactive. Effective physical development helps children to develop a positive sense of well-being.

Creative Development

Creativity is fundamental to successful learning. Being creative enables children to make connections between one area of learning and another and so extend their understanding. This area of learning includes art, music, dance, role play and imaginative play.