…’creates a warm, caring atmosphere of trust, respect and friendship’. OFSTED 2008

The overarching 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

* and achieving economic well-being

The principles which guide our work are grouped into four themes:

1. A Unique Child– every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured

2. Positive Relationships– children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and a key person

3. Enabling Environments– the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning

4. Learning and Development – children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected

These four guiding themes work together to underpin our effective practice in the delivery of the EYFS. Meeting the individual needs of all children lies at the heart of the EYFS. We deliver personalised learning, development and care to help children to get the best possible start in life.

There are six areas covered by the early learning goals and educational programmes. All the 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 experiences 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 communicating, speaking and listening, being read to and beginning to read and write is supported and extended.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

Children are supported in developing their understanding of Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy in a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practise and talk about their developing understanding.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Children are supported in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world.

Physical Development

The physical development of babies and young children is encouraged through the provision of opportunities for them to be active and interactive and to improve their skills of coordination, control, manipulation and movement.

Creative Development

Children’s creativity is extended by the provision of support for their curiosity, exploration and play. They are provided with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings, for example, through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role-play activities, mathematics, and design and technology.