We are currently incorporating all of the new Revised (Sept 2012) Early Years Foundation Stage strategies into our practices, policies and procedures.

Play, both indoors and outdoors, underpins the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage and through it, the children develop intellectually, physically, creatively, socially  and emotionally.

We aim to create a challenging, yet secure environment which extends and supports their learning through a wide variety of well-planned activities and experiences.

Our practice is built around the four guiding themes of the Early Years Foundation Stage :-

• A Unique Child
• Positive Relationships
• Enabling Environments
• Learning and Development

The Learning and Development comprises of 7 areas of learning which are delivered in an appropriate way to all age groups through planned, purposeful play with a careful balance of adult-led and child initiated activities. There are 3  Prime Areas and Practitioners must also support children in four specific areas through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.

The 3 Prime Areas are:
 
1)     Communication and Language

Communication and Language is set out under three aspects in the revised EYFS

a)      Listening and Attention
b)      Understanding
c)      Speaking

2)     Physical Development

Physical Development in the EYFS is set out under two aspects

a)      Moving and Handling
b)      Health and Self Care

3)     Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Personal, Social and Emotional Development is set out under 3 aspects in the revised EYFS

a)     Self-confidence and Self Awareness
b)     Managing Feelings and Behaviour
c)     Making Relationships
 
The 4 Specific Areas are:
 
Literacy

Literacy is set out under two aspects under the new EYFS

a)       Reading
b)      Writing
 
Mathematics

Mathematics is now presented under two aspects in the revised EYFS
 
a)       Numbers
b)      Shape, Space and Measures
 
Understanding the World

Is set out under three aspects in the revised EYFS

a)      People and Communities
b)      The World
c)      Technology
 
Expressive Arts and Design

Is set out under two aspects in the revised EYFS
 
a)      Exploring using Media and Materials
b)      Being Imaginative

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In this way, all age groups are introduced to :-

1)    Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• We encourage personal, social and emotional well-being through promoting an inclusive approach and by providing opportunities for each child to develop a strong self- image and positive self-esteem.
• We encourage positive attitudes and disposition towards learning by fostering an enthusiasm for knowledge and developing confidence in their ability to be a successful learner.
• Social skills are fostered through providing opportunities for all children to cooperate and listen to one another and to work harmoniously alongside each other
• The children are encouraged to develop persistence and concentration, both in their own play and in group tasks.

2)    Communication, Language and Literacy

• All age groups are given opportunities to develop language and communication in a wide variety of situations by encouraging them to listen and respond to adults and to each other and helping them to extend their vocabulary.
• The children are provided with opportunities to explore, enjoy, use and learn about words and text in a variety of contexts and through a wide range of books.

3)    Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

• All age groups are encouraged to develop an understanding of numbers, measurement, patterns, shape and space in a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practise and talk about them.

4)    Knowledge and Understanding of the World

• All age groups are given opportunities to encounter people, creatures, plants and objects and to explore and find out about their own environment and people and places that have significance in their lives.
• They are encouraged to experiment, predict, question and make decisions as appropriate to their age group.

5)    Physical Development

• All children are given opportunities to develop, practise and improve their fine and gross motor skills.
• They are encouraged to increase their understanding of how their bodies work and learn how to be healthy and safe.

6)    Creative Development

• All children are encouraged to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of art, design and technology, music, dance and imaginative and role-play activities as appropriate to the age group.