Children are born ready, able and eager to learn. They actively reach out to interact with other people, and the world around them. Development is not an automatic process, however. It depends on each unique child having opportunities to interact in positive relationships and enabling environments. Development Matters EYFS 2017
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/or carers. EYFS 2017
There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.
Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. These three areas, the prime areas, are: Communication and Language; Physical Development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development EYFS 2017
Providers must also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are: Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design EYFS 2017
Our Early Years Practitioners provide a rich, varied and inspiring environment for every child. Activities are planned by observing and responding to children’s interests and signs of deep involvement. The children play and learn in an engaging environment with adults who understand and care about them, ensuring that each individual child is learning through high quality play that is tailored towards their individual needs.
The Curriculum is carefully planned following the EYFS and balanced between child-initiated activities and adult inspired. This provides the children with a broad range of experiences that assists to develop knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress.
Progress and Development is monitored and tracked to ensure children’s successful learning and development and then shared with parents and carers. Any learning and development needs are addressed in partnership with parents and carers; and any relevant professionals.
Outdoor Play is an integral part of our curriculum; children love the freedom and liberation that the outdoors has to offer. Our garden has been specially designed to represent a natural landscape; with a natural flowing stream, a cave, a tunnel, a hill, a stage with music and lighting, a large sand area, a mud kitchen, a log climbing area and space to “BE”. The space offers endless hours of multi-sensory exploration and discovery that represents a childhood of the past. All children access the area throughout the year and we embrace the elements that the weather has to offer.
Our Partners, to assist with a broad and balanced curriculum we have partners who support us to deliver a variety of exciting and stimulating activities throughout the week. Many of these classes take place in and around the local communities and it is a pleasure to work alongside and develop links by inviting them into Springwood to deliver their expertise. These are our current partners:
Curious Minds
Forest School
Rhythmn Time
Tots Pretend