The framework for children from birth to five years old is called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This play-based approach to learning was introduced in September 2008 for all early years providers. The overarching aim of the EYFS is to help young children achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes of staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and achieving economic well-being.
Through implementing the EYFS we ensure that emphasis is placed upon understanding each child and their family as unique, with different needs and concerns. Close working between the nursery and parents/carers is vital for the identification of children's learning needs and to ensure a quick response to any area of particular difficulty.
The EYFS presents children's development under six overlapping phases. This overlap is intended to emphasise the fact that there can be big differences between the development of children of similar ages. We will ensure that we provide activities and experiences that are appropriate for the development of each child.
Play underpins all development and learning for young children and it is through play that they develop intellectually, creatively, physically, socially and emotionally. At Red Squirrels Nursery, we strive to provide well-planned experiences based on children's spontaneous play, both indoors and outdoors. A challenging and appropriate play-based curriculum, which covers the seven areas of Learning and Development is carefully devised to reflect individual needs and interests so that all children can develop to their full potential.
The EYFS is made up of seven areas of learning and development:
Personal, social and emotional developmentPhysical development
As well as the three prime areas, we will also plan activities in the following areas of learning and development, known as specific areas.
LiteracyExpressive arts and design
OFSTED : (The children) are motivated by a wide range of interesting creative activities and experiences. For example, children eagerly participate in outdoor activities and are keen to partake in art and craft creations. (Ofsted 2012)
Notice Board : A section of the noticeboard is devoted to providing information about what the children do at nursery. You will also be able to see the plans for the week's activities. These plans constantly change as staff will be incorporating children's own interests into activities. The nursery staff observe all children and record these observations to build up a picture of each child's development. These observations are also used to inform future planning of the curriculum.
Computer Use : The nursery has a touch-screen computer, which the children can use. We do have internet access and all security/parental controls are in place. Most computer use does not involve accessing the internet, however, all internet access is supervised by staff.