Care and Education

The Early Years Foundation Stage is implemented throughout the nursery. This is a new government initiative that has become statutory as from September 2008. This framework replaces, whilst building onto the significant Birth to Three Matters Framework, the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage and the National Standards for Under 8's Daycare and Childminding.

This single document will guide all practitioners working with children from birth to the end of this first year at school and will be the basis for Ofsted Inspection Requirements. It contains four distinct but complimentary themes.

A Unique Child recognises that every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. The commitments are focused around development; inclusion; safety; and health and well-being.

Positive Relationships describes howchildren learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person. The commitments are focused around respect; partnership with parents; supporting learning; and the role of the key person.

Enabling Environments explains that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development and learning. The commitments are focused around observation, assessment and planning; support for every child; the learning environment; and the wider context - transitions, continuity, and multi-agency working.

Learning and Development recognises that children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates, and that all areas of learning and development are equally important and inter-connected.

This framework ensures "the child" as an individual in the central focus and starting point for all planning activities and continuous provision within all areas of the nursery.

We ensure parents have the opportunity to review their child's progress with the nursery on a regular basis. For children under two we produce daily records containing information about your child's day, meals eaten, nappy changing and toileting, sleeping and rest times and a general picture of their wellbeing throughout their time at nursery. Daily handover of children both morning and evening is also used as an opportunity to share information. We also inform parents of our topics and planned activities through a regular newsletter. Regular Development meetings are also held where you can view your child's progress profile.

For more information on the curriculum go to www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs