Personal, Social & 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 to take part in the life of the group, sharing and co-operating with other children and adults. 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, its members and its property.
Communication, Language and Literacy Development
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 and when they are ready, to use drawn and written symbols for themselves. The book corner and library gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books, be aware of their uses, both for reference and as a source of stories and pictures.
Mathematical Development
By means of adult supported practical experience, children 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 the children to become aware of number sequences
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
A safe and stimulating environment allows the children to observe and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to recognize 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. They learn to respect other people, and expect to be respected for themselves. 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 outdoors allows children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own body skills. A very high level of adult supervision enables children safely to create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are helped to develop the fine motor skills they will need to use tools, including pens and pencils, and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision. Furthermore they are encouraged to develop awareness of their own bodies and to what keeps them healthy.
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 experience in two and three dimensions. Art equipment, including paint, glue crayons and pencils as well as natural and discarded resources, provide for open-ended exploration of skills in the painting, drawing and collage. Children join in and respond to music stories, and there are many opportunities for imaginative role-play, both individually and as a part of a group.
