As an inspected Early Years group we are required to provide a curriculum which covers seven Areas of Learning. This will be continued by school reception and infant classes who work to the same guidelines.

Personal and social development,
well-being and cultural diversity

 This Area of Learning focuses on children learning about themselves, their relationships with other children and adults. They are encouraged to develop their self-esteem, their personal beliefs and moral values.

 The Foundation Phase supports the cultural identity of all children, to celebrate different cultures and help children recognise and gain a positive awareness of their own and other cultures.

 Children are supported in becoming confident, competent and independent thinkers and learners.

 Language, literacy and communication skills

 This Area of Learning focuses on children being immersed in language experiences and activities. Their skills develop through talking, signing/communicating and listening.

 They are encouraged to communicate their needs, feelings and thoughts and retell their experiences. Some children will communicate by means other than speech.

 Children refer to their intentions by asking questions, voicing/ expressing opinions, reacting to situations, and making choices through a variety of media. They are encouraged to listen and respond to others.

 They have opportunities to choose and use reading materials, understand the conventions of print and books and are given a wide range of opportunities to enjoy mark making and writing experience.

Mathematical development

 This Area of Learning focuses on children developing their skills, knowledge and understanding of mathematics by solving problems.

 They investigate the properties of shape and sort, match, sequence and compare objects and create simple patterns and relationships.

 They use appropriate mathematical language to explain their reasoning and present their work in a variety of ways using objects, pictures, drawings, words, symbols and ICT.

Welsh language development

 This Area of Learning focuses on children learning to use and communicate in Welsh to the best of their ability. Skills are developed through communicating in a range of enjoyable, practical planned activities and using a range of stimuli that build on and increase children’s previous knowledge and experiences.

Knowledge and understanding of the world

 This Area of Learning focuses on children experiencing the familiar world through enquiry and investigation.

 Children are given experiences that increase their curiosity about the world around them and to begin to understand past events, people and places, living things and the work people do,

 They learn to demonstrate responsibility, concern and respect for all living things and the environment. They learn to express their own ideas, opinions and feelings with imagination, creativity and sensitivity.

Physical development

 This Area of Learning focuses on children’s physical development. Enthusiasm and energy for movement is continually promoted through helping them to use their bodies effectively, by encouraging spatial awareness, balance, control and coordination and developing motor and manipulative skills.

 Children are encouraged to enjoy physical activity and their developing sense of identity is linked closely to their own self-image, self-esteem and confidence. Children are introduced to concepts of health, hygiene and safety and the importance of diet, rest, sleep and exercise.

Creative Development

 This Area of Learning focuses on children developing their imagination and creativity through the curriculum.

 Their curiosity and disposition to learn is stimulated by everyday sensory experiences.

 Children engage in creative, imaginative and expressive activities in art, craft, design, music dance and movement.

 Children explore a wide range of stimuli,  develop their ability to communicate and express their creative ideas and reflect their work.

How we achieve the desirable outcomes

Due to our very high ratio of staff to children (1:6 maximum) we are able to provide a carefully planned curriculum without stifling the children's natural curiosity and desire to find things out for themselves. We believe that they should be able to explore, and experiment, develop at their own pace and exercise independent choice. We therefore promote learning through play, the children working in small groups with adults supporting and extending their learning. To the children they will be playing and having fun but you can be assured that they are learning a great deal as well.

Record Keeping

Careful record keeping is of course important to ensure that each child receives a balanced curriculum. The development of each child is assessed by observation and these observations are used to plan activities appropriate for each child. The group operates a "key worker" scheme whereby each staff member will have responsibility for recording information relating to a small group of children. This includes information grouped under each of the seven areas of learning. You are very welcome to make an appointment with the play leader to discuss your child's progress at any time during the year. You will receive a written report at the end of the summer term.

Policies

The Playgroup has defined polices on: