OUR CURRENT THEME

MAKING FRIENDS AND SHARING    

18th September - 29th September

During this fortnight we are going to focus on feelings, behaviour and social skills required to make friends, e.g. sharing, turn taking, empathy

In order to make friends, children require some basic skills. They need enough confidence and language skills to initiate conversations and interact. Children must also learn how to listen to others, interact in a positive way, take turns and compromise when deciding what and how to play. 

Developing skills to cope with difficult emotions is also necessary, for example learning to control anger and frustration.

We are going to read books, engage in various craft activities and group discussions - all focusing on feelings and strategies to control them, being kind to others, being inclusive. 

We are also going to start our cooking activities - beginning with simple iced biscuits. 

We will continue to stay active - playing various group circle games, engaging in music and movement activities, and stretching and bending during yoga classes.

Provision for the development and learning of children from birth to 5 years is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our provision reflects the four overarching principles of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage :

• A Unique Child 
  Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient,           capable, confident and self-assured.
• Positive Relationships
  Children learn to be strong and independent through positive 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, parents and carers.

• ​Learning and Development
  Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision including children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The care and education offered by our setting helps children to continue to do this by providing all of the children with interesting activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. 

The Areas of Development and Learning comprise: 

For each area, the level of progress that children are expected to have attained by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage is defined by the Early Learning Goals. These goals state what each child  is expected to know, and be able to do, by the end of the reception year of their education. We have these goals in mind when we plan learning for the children and assess their progress.

Being active and playing supports young children’s learning and development through doing and talking. This is how children learn to think about and understand the world around them. We use the EYFS statutory guidance on education programmes to plan and provide opportunities which will help children to make progress in all areas of learning. This programme is made up of a mixture of activities that children plan and organise for themselves and activities planned and led by our staff members.

To read more about your child's learning and development in relation to EYFS click here

TRANSITION INTO PRESCHOOL

We understand that starting pre-school is a very significant event not only in the life of a child, but the whole family.
 

When your child starts attending pre-school we are flexible to the individual needs of the child to help them settle well and overcome separation anxiety.
Parents, grandparents, carers are welcome to come and stay as long as it takes for the child to feel more secure in our setting.
The key person is always available to meet and talk with parents, carers and childminders and this helps the child to form a secure emotional attachment with everyone involved.

Parents can use our online system to provide us with All About Me information  - their child’s likes and dislikes, favourite plays, medical information, details about their siblings, friends and other people significant in their life.

We also provide families with Welcome Packs which allows information to be provided about your child’s interests, likes and dislikes.

TRANSITION INTO SCHOOL

Our curriculum focuses on encouraging children to become independent in their self care. 

In the last school term, we organise P.E. sessions to encourage and develop children’s independence in dressing and undressing. 
Our transition process with local schools is wide and varied with visits during the Summer term from Reception staff, visits to the local schools with children and their parents for songs and rhymes workshops.

We also work closely with Swanmore Primary School throughout the year – we use their playing fields, visit school’s library weekly, use their vegetable gardens and join them on other special occasions.