We believe that parents need to feel confident that even in nursery their children are being educated. They want to be sure that their children are given the best possible start in their young lives. There are educational goals set for young children through the Early Years Foundation Stage which we have to adhere to.

At Rascals we have adopted a highly successful philosophy to this, which is reflective of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

At the heart of this approach we create an environment where a child can express themselves and experience a balanced curriculum of educational activities and experiences. The ability to do this through interaction, involvement and fun ensures that a child can access learning in a non-pressured way and therefore develop his/her abilities in all areas.

 

This framework became statutory from September 2008. Children at Rascals work to this framework until the end of their first year at school. Children attending Rascals generally meet their Early Learning Goals before they leave us for school.

The principles, which guide the work of all early years practitioners, are grouped into four themes:

A Unique Child – every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships – children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.

Enabling Environments – the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.

Learning and Development – children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected.

At Rascals we cover the six areas of Learning and Development which are outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage:

Communication, Language and literacy

Children’s learning and competence in communicating, speaking and listening, being read to and beginning to read and write are supported at the nursery. We provide the children with the opportunity and encourage them to use their skills in a range of situations and for a range of purposes, and we support the children in developing their confidence and disposition.

Problem solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

Children must be supported in developing their understanding of problem solving, Reasoning, and Numeracy in a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practice and talk about their developing understanding. We provide children with opportunities to practice these skills and to gain confidence and competence in their use.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children are provided with experiences, which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and others; respect for others; social skills; and a positive disposition to learn. We ensure support for children’s emotional well being to help them to know themselves and what they can do.

Creative Development

Children’s creativity is extended by the provision of support for their curiosity, exploration and play. We provide the children with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings, for example, through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role-play activities, mathematics, and design and technology.

Physical Development

The physical development of babies and young children is encouraged through the provision of opportunities for them to be active and interactive and to improve their skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. We support the children in using all of their senses to learn about the world around them and to make connections between new information and what they already know. They are supported in developing an understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Children are supported in developing the knowledge; skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. Their learning is supported for them to use a range of tools safely; encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real-life situations; undertake practical ‘experiments’; and work with a range of materials

The above information is from the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines and further information can be found here on the government website.