Learning
Learning and Development
At our setting, we believe that every moment is a learning opportunity. The early years are a crucial time in a child’s development — a time when they are curious, capable, and eager to explore the world around them. Our role is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports each child’s learning and development across all areas.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which guides everything we do. It ensures that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.
The 7 Areas of Learning and Development
The EYFS divides learning into 7 key areas. These are split into 3 Prime Areas and 4 Specific Areas.
Prime Areas (Most important in the early years)
Communication and Language
Encouraging children to express themselves, listen, ask questions, and build a rich vocabulary.
We support this through storytelling, songs, conversations, and role play.
Physical Development
Helping children develop coordination, balance, and movement, as well as fine motor skills like using cutlery or holding a pencil.
Outdoor play, mark making, threading, and climbing all support this area.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Building confidence, independence, emotional resilience, and positive relationships with others.
Children are encouraged to share, take turns, express feelings, and develop a sense of self.
Specific Areas
Literacy
Developing a love for books, stories, rhymes, and early writing skills.
We create language-rich environments and introduce phonics in a playful way.
Mathematics
Understanding numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements through real-life experiences and hands-on play.
Understanding the World
Exploring the world around them, including nature, technology, cultures, and communities.
We support this through outdoor exploration, celebrations, visits, and interactive resources.
Expressive Arts and Design
Encouraging creativity through art, music, movement, dance, role play, and imaginative play.
How We Support Your Child’s Development
Play-Based Learning:
Children learn best through play. We offer a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities that are fun, meaningful, and tailored to individual interests.
Observation and Planning:
Practitioners regularly observe your child to understand their interests, strengths, and next steps. These observations inform our planning, so learning is always relevant and engaging.
Key Person Approach:
Every child is assigned a Key Person who builds a close relationship with them, supports their emotional wellbeing, and ensures their learning is nurtured throughout their time with us.
Individual Progress Tracking:
We use the EYFS framework to track each child’s development and share their progress with you regularly through learning journals, meetings, and informal chats.
Working in Partnership with Parents
We see parents and carers as a child’s first and most important educators. By working closely with parents and carers, we can provide consistent support and ensure children feel secure, confident, and ready to thrive.
Parents and carers are always welcome to share observations from home, ask questions, and contribute to their child’s learning journey.
