At The Blue Strawberry, we actively deliver The Early Years Foundation Stage which is a statutory framework. The principles and underlying themes set the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to the age of 5 years.
It can be tailored to meet the individual needs of children regardless of ability level, including those with special educational needs. It is flexible enough to all children to progress at their own pace, develop confidence and independence.
The EYFS is underpinned by play and helps children develop a positive attitude to learning:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Within a secure and stable environment children are able to develop a clear sense of belonging and are supported in developing skills for confidence, autonomy, respect for themselves and others.
Communication, Language and Literacy
Within this learning area children are encouraged to use communication, speaking and listening in a variety of situations and for a variety of purposes. Activities provided can encourage language development including music, dance and songs. Interaction with other children creates a language rich environment and with the introduction of letters and sounds their skills through specific adult initiated learning can be supported.
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
Children are provided with opportunities to discover and learn simple mathematical ideas and concepts to include sorting, matching, sequencing and counting. These form the basis for children to use mathematical language in relation to real life experiences describing shape, size, quantitiy and position.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Opportunities are provided for children to explore and discover the world in which they live through a range of sources from families and friends and through situations observed. It provides experiences to share in and discover the cultures, beliefs and religions of others valuing their individuality.
Physical Development
Skills can be developed within all areas including gross and fine motor movements. Equipment will develop spacial awareness and enable them to be positive towards the benefits of being healthy and active.
Creative Development
Children are encouraged to express their creativity through a variety of resources and materials including crayons, paints, glue, scissors, music and movement, and imaginative props within role play.
“Adults plan a good balance of activities, some led by themselves and others which the children choose for themselves. The children are supported well throughout by enthusiastic staff, who prepare them exceptionally well for their move to school and for their future learning.” Ofsted Report.
Learning Journeys
A programme of continual assessment and observation allows us to monitor your child’s progress and these observations form the basis of planning their activities for the subsequent week. This ensures that each child’s development becomes an ongoing tailored and individual programme. Observations made and photographs taken are placed into the Learning Journey providing you with a diary of your child’s time with us.
We keep you fully up-to-date with your child’s development with twice yearly Progress Summaries and Parents’ Evenings. If you ever feel that you need to discuss any aspect of your child’s education at other times please feel free to speak to a member of staff.