Early Years Foundation Stage

The learning and development of the children in the Early Years provision.

During your child’s time with me I will plan activities, play and experiences which will enable learning and development across the seven areas of learning , taking into account the needs, welfare, age/stage, interests, and ideas of each child as guided by the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (2012).

All the activities and learning opportunities provided, I try to make fun, enjoyable, inclusive, fair, relevant, interesting and stimulating for all.

By observing, recording and monitoring the children whilst in my care I am able to know them as individuals, their interests, likes/dislikes and developmental needs. Each month I assess the children’s developmental needs using individual development matters sheets; this process helps me to plan future activities to further these.

I plan around a monthly theme/topic (Long-term Plan) which gives us ideas for craft and other activities; my planning is very flexible so as to incorporate spontaneous events such as snow. I also incorporate other settings plans for example: school, nursery or preschool, so that I can support the child’s overall learning.

As well as the activities that I plan as part of our monthly theme/topic the children themselves have input as to what we do each day for example: in their choice of toys, equipment and where they would like to be e.g. indoors or out. Their ideas and creativity are encouraged and supported when appropriate and their overall development is scaffolded as opportunities arise without being intrusive. I like to think that I provide a good balance of adult lead and child initiated activities.