Curriculum
Our pre-school curriculum is an informal course of learning, working within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Early Years Foundation Stage is set out in a document published by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and is the Framework to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life, and support to fulfill their potential. The Framework divides children’s learning into 3 prime areas and 4 specific areas of learning and development. Combined together, the seven areas of learning provide opportunities to address important aspects of children’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
The prime areas begin to develop quickly in response to relationships and experiences, and run through and support learning in all other areas. The prime areas continue to be fundamental throughout the EYFS.
The specific areas include essential skills and knowledge. They grow out of the prime areas, and provide important contexts for learning.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Self-Regulation
Managing Self
Building Relationships
Communication and Language
Listening, Attention & Understanding
Speaking
Physical Development
Gross Motor Skills
Fine Motor Skills
Understanding the World
Past and Present
People, Culture & Communities
The Natural World
Literacy
Comprehension
Word Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Number
Numerical Patterns
Expressive Arts and Design
Creating with Materials
Being Imaginative & Expressive
Characteristics of Effective Learning
Playing and exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically are key to a child’s development and success in learning.
These characteristics underpin learning and development across all areas and support the child to remain an effective and motivated learner as they grow and develop.
Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults.
EYFS Overarching Principles
Four guiding principles shape our practice at Little Stars. These are:
• every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured
• children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships
• children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers.
• importance of learning and development. Children develop and learn at different rates.
The four Themes for the EYFS express important principles underpinning effective practice in the care, development and learning of young children. These are evident in all we are and all we do at Little Stars.
Every Child is Unique
Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
At Little Stars we
• understand and observe each child’s development and learning, assess progress, plan for next steps
• support babies and children to develop a positive sense of their own identity and culture
• identify any need for additional support
• keep children safe
• value and respect all children and families equally
Positive Relationships
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
At Little Stars our positive relationships are
• warm and loving, and foster a sense of belonging
• sensitive and responsive to the child’s needs, feelings and interests
• supportive of the child’s own efforts and independence
• consistent in setting clear boundaries
• stimulating
• built on key person relationships
Enabling Environments
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and carers.
Enabling Environments
• value all people
• value learning
At Little Stars we offer
• stimulating resources, relevant to all the children’s cultures and communities
• rich learning opportunities through play and playful teaching
• support for children to take risks and explore
Learning and Development
Children develop and learn in different ways. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Little Stars teach children by ensuring challenging, playful opportunities across the prime and specific areas of learning and development.
We foster the characteristics of effective early learning through
• Playing and exploring
• Active learning
• Creating and thinking critically
