We believe passionately in learning through play, which is why we have named ourselves a Playgroup!
Play is serious work for children, not an alternative activity. We believe that play is necessary and important for enabling children to:
“Children have opportunities to choose resources and join in planned activities. They are confident, enjoy learning and are happy and settled … Children develop the skills they need for later learning. They learn to cooperate and recognise the value of working together.” Ofsted report, 2019
Free-Flow PlayFree-flow play allows children to follow through their play ideas without interruption. Their concentration is maintained and the opportunity to move into a new space will often extend their play and offer opportunities for involvement of additional children. When children can freely choose where and how to play, they don’t have to wait for a special time in the day to try out ideas, or to practice new skills, or simply to work on a larger scale than indoors. The building and other users restrict us from doing free-flow continually. Free-flow happens between 9.30am to 10.40am and 1.30pm to 2.50pm. This allows Fun for Twos to spend time outside. We are very aware that some children, given the choice, would not go outside at all, so between 11.15am and 11.50am every child will start their play outside. |
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The Early Years Foundation Stage CurriculumWe plan our topics and activities to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework. Our staff make sure activities are suited to children’s individual needs and interests. As an Ofsted-registered provider, we must follow this framework, which has been developed by the Government to set standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. Children complete the EYFS at the end of their Reception year in primary school. The EYFS Framework includes an assessment of children’s progress between age 2 and 3, which we undertake at playgroup. The assessments are based on classroom observations which we make continuously and share with you via our online learning journal, Tapestry. There is no formal testing. Progress is assessed against the Government’s early learning goals and discussed with parents. The EYFS is organised into these areas of learning: Prime areasThe Prime Areas are particularly important for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. They are the most essential for children’s healthy development and future learning. Children mostly develop these areas first.
Specific areasAs children grow, their learning in the prime areas helps them develop skills in these specific areas:
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