- "Learning through play" is the phrase that best sums up what children will do, though of course the best way to find out is to visit! At times it will seem organised, though more often it will seem chaotic!
- There is method to the madness, and we plan activities around a theme on a termly, weekly and daily basis. Our framework is the Foundation Stage Curriculum, which covers a child's education and development from the age of 3 to the end of the reception year at school. The Foundation Stage is the early years equivalent of the National Curriculum, and includes 6 areas of learning:
- Language, Literacy & Communication
- Mathematical Development
- Personal Social and Emotional Development
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- Creative Development
- Physical Development
- Within each area there are a number of "early learning goals" for the children to work towards and more specific "stepping stones" along the way. We include a full range of activities and take account of each child's needs when planning the curriculum. We also do regular observations and assessments, to help us to monitor each child's progress, and keep records which are passed to parents at the end of a child's Pre-school career.
- Each session is based around a routine which quickly becomes familiar to the children, helping them to become secure, confident, independent and able to try new things within a known structure. Each morning, we set out a range of activities, which will include;
- Craft activities Painting is always available, as well as an additional craft activity where the children use the materials provided - often in unexpected and wonderful ways. We encourage self-expression and experimentation, and focus on colour, texture, size, shape, quantity, etc. Cooking, woodworking, modelling, cutting, pasting, threading, printing - only our imaginations limit the choices.
- The Home Corner is a place for imaginative role play. It might be a home, with dolls and various domestic items and playdough for cooking. Or it might be a post office, a doctor's surgery, a shoe shop or a travel agent. Anything, anywhere.........
- Sand/Water play These well-loved natural materials provide lots of fun and the opportunity to discover and explore various scientific principles.
- Book/Quiet Corner With a well-stocked book trolley, comfortable surroundings and a willing adult always on hand, this is a popular spot. We aim to encourage a love of books and provide children with the motivation to learn to read when ready.
- Construction toys can help children learn about colour, size, shape, spatial awareness and cooperative play.
- Table play Might include puzzles, small toys, sorting and counting activities or messy play. Whatever is provided, we encourage children to experiment and work it out for themselves, though adult encouragement is at hand.
- Writing table Paper, pencils, rulers, scissors, felt tips, stamps, stencils and materials for cutting and pasting are on offer. We want children to become adept at using the tools while enjoying the process.
- Physical Activities One piece of large equipment such as the climbing frame is always out. Other choices, such as beanbags, hoops and balls might be available, and one of our group sessions is usually active.
- The children move around the hall, choosing from these various activities, encouraged and directed by the staff to have a wide range of experiences. We also have group sessions at different times; register and circle time, songs rhymes and music, snack time, counting activities, physical and mental games, and we always finish the morning with a story. These group times help the children to develop speaking and listening skills, concentration, self-confidence and respect for others.
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Small Group Activities |
- If you come into Pre-school as a rota helper or visitor, you will notice that we do some small group work with the children, either in the committee room next to the main hall, or outdoors when weather permits (Please ensure that your child is equipped with the necessary gear to play outside, even in winter). All involved enjoy this part of the Pre-school session. It makes the children feel special to go into the little room or outside to "play a game," and working with specific children gives the staff an ideal opportunity to observe closely and keep track of each child's progress across the whole range of learning areas.
- Each child has at least two group sessions per week. One is their keyworker group, others may be based on year group, and some may be quite spontaneous and random. Each child at Pre-school has a keyworker, and each member of staff has a group of children for whom she is particularly responsible. We observe the children in our keyworker groups, look for assessment opportunities, record information in their records and generally track their progress through Pre-school. We post a list of keyworker groups each term, but please ask if you're not sure.
- Having regular small group sessions with our groups improves the relationship for both staff and children. It gives us time to chat, and even those who are quiet during large group times may have plenty to say in a smaller group. We plan activities to cover all the areas of learning, and most are "hands on," practical activities. We hope that the children will come home and tell you that they played a game! It makes observation and recording much easier for us, and helps the children to develop in all areas, not just the ones they choose during free play. That is still very important, and an extra benefit is that when the small groups leave the room, the hall is generally calmer for the rest.
- If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask a member of staff. And as with all aspects of life at Pre-school, you are most welcome to visit and sit in on any of our activities.
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