THE FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM
The Foundation Stage Curriculum (for 'Early Learning Goals') are the guidelines which we use to base our regular themes and planned activities for out pre-school sessions. The children are encouraged to bring along any items of interest which relate to the current topic, so please watch out for newsletters or notes from the staff informing you of what is coming up.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This part of the curriculum focuses on children learning how to work, play, co-operate with others and function in a group beyond the family. They cover important aspects of personal, social, moral and spiritual development including the development of personal values and an understanding of self and of others. They should be interpreted in the context of the values agreed by the adults, including the parents, involved with each setting.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This part of the curriculum covers important aspects of language development and provides the foundation for literacy. Children must be helped to acquire competence in English as soon as possible, making use where appropriate, of their developing understanding and skills in other languages. The learning outcomes focus on children's developing competence in talking and listening and in becoming readers and writers. Other areas of learning also make a vital contribution to the successful development of literacy.
Mathematics
Mathematical development depends on becoming confident and competent in learning and using key skills. This area of the learning includes counting, sorting, matching and seeking patterns, making connections, recognising relationships and working with numbers, shapes, space and measures. It focuses on achievement through practical activities and on using and understanding language in the development of simple mathematical ideas.
Knowledge and understanding of the World
In this area of learning, children are developing the crucial knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. This forms the foundation for later work in science, design and technology, history, geography and information and communication technology (ICT).
Physical Development
Physical development in the foundation stage is about improving skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement both indoors and outdoors. It helps children gain confidence in what they can do and enables them to feel the positive benefits of being healthy and active. Effective physical development helps the children develop a positive sense of well being.
Creative Development
Creativity is fundamental to successful learning. Being creative enables children to make connections between one area of learning and another and so extend their understanding. This area of learning includes art, music, dance, role play and imaginative play.
