Foundation Stage

In the Foundation Stage we aim to make learning fun. The curriculum is divided into six areas of learning, which is practical and relevent to the child, encouraging them to select, make choices and explore through their play. Children develop rapidly during this stage, both emotionally and intellectually and the Foundation Stage environment offers children the opportunity to try out activities without the fear of failure. It gives them the confidence and encouragement to initate their own learning, supported by an enthustistic team of adults.

The Importance of Play:
Play is an integral part of the foundation stage curriculum. It recognises that through supported play children can explore, develop and use their curiosity and imagination to help them make sense of the world in a secure environment. They practice skills, build up ideas and concepts, think creatively and imaginatively and communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems.

Outdoor Play:
Children are often active learners and therefore activities and experiences that allow them to explore using their whole bodies are important. The outdoor areas allow the children to explore using all their senses in a safe environment and are equally as important as the indoor environments.

Opportunities for Personal, Social and Emotional development allow children to learn to make friends and co-operate, become confident and excited about their learning and think about the feelings and opinions of others.

Children develop Knowledge and Understanding of the World around them as they have first hand experiences of ICT, Science, History, Geography and RE that encourage exploration, observation and problem solving, prediction and questioning.

Communication, Language and Literacy focuses on developing early reading and writing skills, helping children to become confident, clear and expressive speakers and how to listen carefully and respond to other people.

Activities based around Mathematical Development help children count, sort, match and make patterns, recognise shapes, describe position and give them some early practical experience of measuring weights, length and time.

Creative Development includes art, music, dance, role-play and imaginative play and helps children to become confident in using all of their senses to explore and express themselves in a stimulating environment.

 

Planned activities for Physical Development help children to practice and improve their fine motor skills that help them with their writing, cutting, modelling and using tools and equipment. It also improves their gross-motor skills through jumping, balancing, throwing, catching and climbing, often achieved outside.

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