The Foundation Stage is organized into six early learning goals:
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Social and Emotional Development
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Communication, Language and Literacy
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Mathematical Development
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Knowledge and Understanding of the World
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Physical Development
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The outcome of personal and social development focuses on children learning how to play and co-operate with others. Our aim is to encourage children to be confident, have self-respect, work independently as well as in a group and establish good relationships with their peers and adults.
Communication, Language and Literacy
In all areas of the Nursery, there are opportunities for discussions with adults and other children, thereby extending the child’s vocabulary and fluency. Speaking and listening skills are also developed through listening and responding to stories, songs, nursery rhymes and poems.
Mathematics
In order to encourage early skills, mathematics enters every area of the Nursery with the development of mathematical concepts happening all the time. We aim to give the children practical experience in using and understanding simple mathematical vocabulary, which includes comparing, sorting, matching, sequencing, counting, ordering, patterns, shapes, measurement, time, money, mass, capacity and volume.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
This aspect of the curriculum focuses on the children developing knowledge and understanding of their environment, other people and features of the natural and man- made world. It provides a foundation for assimilating concepts in science, history, geography, design and technology.
Physical Development
We use outside play to build confidence and co-operative skills, increase social awareness, develop hand/eye co-ordination, develop balance skills, and the co-ordination and control in gross motor skills. Outside play will also assist general physical development, promote a positive interest in caring for our environment, and provide practical opportunities for science, mathematics and geography.
Creative Development
Creative development for our children involves them in fascinating explorations of sound, materials, colours and textures, using all their senses. Creative development combines all the early learning goals, and is an area where we encourage the children to use their imagination and express themselves to their full potential.
Outings
External visits and activities significantly widen experience and we arrange short visits as part of the general activities in the Nursery. Indemnity forms and information regarding these trips are given to parents before such trips are undertaken.