Curriculum

Curriculum

"When parents choose to use early years services they want to know that provision will keep their children safe and help them to thrive. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework that provides that assurance."
- Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Department for Education and Skills.
The Early Years Foundation Stage is a legal requirement which all childcare practitioners must comply with. It provides a framework and guidance to assist practitioners in delivering high quality, individualised care. It also provides continuity of care which enables each child to reach their potential. From September 2008 the EYFS replaces the Foundation Stage Curriculum, The Birth to Three Matters Framework and the National Standards. 

At Shepherds Hill Nursery we have always organised our planning of activities in response to our children's current interests and needs. We aim to fit the curriculum around the children, not the other way around! Our staff observe the children at play and discuss with them how their interests could be developed to extend their enjoyment and learning. 

The aim of the EYFS is to help children fulfil the five outcomes of Every Child Matters. These outcomes are:
• Staying safe
• Being healthy
• Enjoying and achieving
• Making a positive contribution
• Achieving economic well-being           

The principles which guide our work are grouped into four themes:
• A unique child
• Positive relationships
• Enabling environments
• Learning and development

The six areas of learning that we consider when delivering care are :
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Physical Development
• Creative Development

Each area of learning is equally important and must be delivered through planned, purposeful play through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

Parents can find more details about the EYFS at:

The emphasis at Shepherds Hill Nursery is very much on learning through play and having fun. We aim to foster curiosity and a love of learning.
Read more on our Learning with Love page.

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