The Pre- School works within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which is the educational framework applicable to all settings working with children from birth to the end of the Reception year in school. There is a balance of adult led and child led activities and the emphasis is on learning though play.

We provide children with a rich variety of teaching and learning experiences that are appropriate to their needs. The Early Years curriculum is about developing key learning skills, such as listening, speaking, concentrating, persistence and learning to work and co-operate with others.

In the Early Years, the curriculum is delivered through Development Matters. Learning and development takes place when children have the opportunity to interact in positive relationships in enabling environments.

Prime Areas

• Communication and Language Development which involves giving children opportunities to be exposed to a rich vocabulary; developing their confidence and skills in expressing themselves and speaking and listening to others in a range of situations.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development which involves children developing a positive sense of themselves and others; forming positive relationships and developing respect for others; developing social skills and learning how to manage feelings; understanding appropriate behaviour in groups and having confidence in their own abilities.
• Physical Development which involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; developing their co-ordination, control and movement; developing their understanding of the importance of physical activity and helping children to make healthy choices in relation to food.

Specific Areas

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

All areas are delivered through a balance of adult led and child-initiated activities. At Loddiswell Pre-School we recognise that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending all children’s development. We aim to create an attractive, welcoming, supportive and stimulating learning environment that will encourage children to explore, investigate, question and learn through first hand experiences.