Methods of Achieving Our Curriculum The children have the opportunity to participate in several different activities in a session, covering all the subjects of the curriculum. We have an extensive range of books, games, toys and equipment; and listed below are just some of the ways we use these and other methods to achieve the curriculum’s goals.
Communication and language Books, conversation, rhymes, songs, stories, fantasy/home corner and word games.
Literacy & Mathematics Books, counting rhymes, songs, stories, construction toys, sand/water, play dough, shop, cooking, games.
Understanding of the world Books, gardening, animals, puzzles, construction, cooking, technology (including Computer), gluing, cutting, model making, sand/water, songs (for example from different countries).
Physical development Slide, climbing frame, seesaw, trampoline (for large muscle development); cutting, drawing, and threading (for fine motor skills). We have also introduced weekly P.E. sessions for pre-school year children, which also serves to prepare them for school routines.
Personal, social and emotional development By example, discussion, books, games, fantasy/home corner, dolls, play families.
Assessment The children are assessed on a regular basis to ensure that the early learning goals are being achieved. This is based on the Key Person system to ensure continuity of assessment. Your child’s learning diary is available anytime and will be given to you when he/she leaves pre-school.
We have twice yearly parent/leader meetings, which provide the opportunity to discuss your child’s achievements. If at anytime you or the pre-school have concerns about you child’s development these can be discussed in confidence to ensure your child gets the help they need.
Staff Training Staff regularly attends training/information days to keep up to date with current practice and further their professional development. We meet the OFSTED requirement that 50% of our staff working per session are qualified to the specified level.
Our Curriculum is delivered through planned purposeful play with a balance of adult-led and child initiated activities.
Although we do have a backdrop of themes eg Christmas, Chinese New Year and Book Week, most of our planning is inspired by the children’s ideals and interests.
The various weekly or daily themes are listed on the notice board.
Our emphasis is on learning through play. The children are given the opportunity and are encouraged to try a broad range of different activities.
Government Bodies OFSTED We pay particular regard to OFSTED recommendations to provide a happy safe and enjoyable learning environment. As a regulatory body, OFSTED regularly inspect our setting to ensure that we meet the requirements as set out in the National standards, published by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). If you would like more information about OFSTED or to see our latest Inspection Report visit their website www.ofsted.gov.uk.
Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) and the Early Years Foundation Stage Service.
We also have close links with BANES who provide our funding, and the Early Year Foundation Stage Service who provide us with help and guidance on the Early Years Foundation Stage. We attend a wide range of inspirational training courses, which generate lots of discussion amongst the team and naturally the skills learned are introduced into the pre-school sessions. We place a strong emphasis on the 5 outcomes; Being Healthy; Staying Safe; Enjoying and Achieving; Making a Positive Contribution and achieve economic well being, always being mindful of what it is like to be a child in our setting