Learning & Development
Six areas are covered by the Early Learning Goals and educational programme. All areas are delivered through planned purposeful play with a balance of adult led and child initiated activities.
Personal, social and emotional development
Children are provided with experience and support which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others, respect for others, social skills and a positive disposition to learn.
Communication, language and literacy
Children's learning and competence in communication, speaking and listening, being read to and beginning to read and write is supported and extended. They are provided with opportunity and encouragement to use their skills in a range of situations and for a range of purposes, and be supported in developing the confidence and disposition to do so.
Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
Children are supported in developing their understanding of problem solving, reasoning and numeracy in a wide range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practise and talk about their developing understanding. They are provided with opportunities to practise and extend their skills in these areas and to gain competence in their use.
Knowledge and understanding of the world
We support the children in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding that will help them make sense of the world. Their learning is supported through offering opportunities for them to use a range tools safely, encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environment and in real life situations; undertake practical 'experiments' and work with a range of materials.
Physical development
The physical development of young children is encouraged through the provision of opportunities for them to be active and interactive and to improve their skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movements. They are supported in developing an understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food.
Creative development
Children's creativity is extended by provision of support for their curiosity, exploration and play. Opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role play activities, mathematics, design and technology.
Educational Programme
Swimbridge Pre-school uses the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as the framework that provides parents with assurance that our provision will keep their children safe and help them to thrive. The aim of the EYFS is to help young children achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes of:
* staying safe
* being healthy
* enjoying and achieving
* making a positive contribution achieving economic well being
The EYFS principles which guide our work are groups into four distinct but complementary themes:
1. A unique child - recognises that every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. The commitments are focused around development, inclusion, safety and health and well-being.
2. Positive relationships - describes how children learn to be strong and independent from a base of a loving and secure relationships with parents and! or a key person. The commitments are focused around respect, partnership with parents, supported learning and the role of the key person.
3. Enabling environments - explains that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development and learning. The commitments are focused around observation, assess- ment and planning, support for every child, the learning environment and the wider context - transitions, continuity and multi-agency working.
4. Learning and development - recognises that children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and that all areas of learning and development are equally important and interconnected.