Why do I need to know about the EYFS?

The EYFS will be the stage your child is in when they attend a setting or a childminder’s home between birth and the age of five. It is also the stage that they are in until the end of the Reception year at school. Children do best when parents and professionals work together. It is important to remember that you know more about your own child than anyone else. Practitioners should be asking you about your child and sharing information with you about his/ her progress. Understanding what your child is doing when they are with others will help you to notice how well they are developing and learning. The part you play as parentss or carers in their learning and the choices you make will make a difference to their future.

 What is the EYFS?

The EYFS is a stage of children’s development from birth to the end of their first (Reception) year in school. The EYFS Framework describes how early years practitioners should work with children and their families to support their development and learning. It describes how your child should be kept safe and cared for and how all concerned can make sure that your child achieves the most that they can in their earliest years of life. It is based on four important principles.

We offer the Nursery Grant Scheme - all your questions answered !

What is the Nursery Education Grant?

Through the Nursery Education Grant the Government makes early education available for 3 and 4 year olds.

How do I apply for the Nursery Education Grant

The Nursery Education Grant is paid termly directly to registered childcare providers, they will claim the grant for your child.

When will my child be eligible to receive the grant?

Children are eligible for Nursery Education Grant funding in the term following their third birthday. A child born betwen 1 April and 31 August will be eligible for the grant from the start of the Autumn term following their 3rd birthday. A child born between 1 September and 31 December will be eligible for the grant from the start of the spring term following their 3rd birthday. A child born between 1 January and 31 March will be eligible for the grant from the start of the summer term following their 3rd birthday.

For how many sessions will my child be funded?

Nursery Education Grant funding is for a maximum of 5x 2.5 hour sessions per week; for 38 weeks of the year.

Do all sessions have to be with the same provider?

No, the sessions can be used according to parental choice: they may be split between two providers.

How do I apply for the Nursery Education Grant ?

The Nursery Education Grant is paid termly directly to registered childcare providers, they will claim the grant for your child. The grant will be available to you the term after your child’s third birthday, all you need to do is fill in the sessions you would like and we do the rest!

STEP 1 – Children are observed initiating their own play and encouraged to try new and different activities  to further develop their skills sets.

STEP 2 – These observations are then reviewed and used to plan curriculum activities for the following week.

STEP 3 – Information is evaluated and adapted to enhance what skills they may have developed.
 
We provide continuous resources of sand, water, sensory discoveries, outdoor exploring and fun, computer play, quiet reading as well as creative activities and endless opportunities for the children to use their imaginations. All our toys, resources and equipment are child centred and are stored at their level to offer them the choice in their play and learning.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework for all the children which meets the individual needs of all the children in our care. There are six areas of learning and development and our skilled practitioners are trained to offer learning opportunities and support for all of these, of which include …

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

We:
• Introduce and extend the children's knowledge and understanding of science and the world around them.
• Explore and enjoy natural materials and their qualities e.g. sand, water and clay.
• Encourage outdoor pursuits through visits to the library and local shops.
• Invite members from the local community like fire services, police and dentist for talks and presentations to encourage personal and social awareness.
• Introduce computer technology, which opens up various avenues of learning.



Communication, Language and Literacy

We provide activities related to language acquisition through:

• The book corner where children develop an interest for print and pictures.
• Story telling and role-play which includes dressing up or experiencing the home corner which takes many forms, e.g. bookshop, hairdressing salon and doctor's surgery.
• Circle time where children learn to listen and discuss various topics of interest e.g. the weather, the days of the week and their own personal experiences.
• Songs and rhymes where children acquire vocabulary and rhythm through familiar and new nursery songs and rhymes.



Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy



We promote learning of mathematical concepts by providing the followings:

• Materials for sorting, matching and measuring e.g. puzzles and coloured cubes.
• Activities where children explore shape, size, weight and length e.g. cooking.
• Interactive computer software, which are set up in the computer area.

Creative development



We encourage creative development through story-telling, drama, role play, music and movement, drawing and painting with various medium, design and technology where children learn to use various tools like the scissors, glue spreaders and cellotape to create two- and three-dimensional models. Clay is also used to help children learn how to sculpt and develop a sensorial approach to learning.

Physical Development

Our large outdoor area is equipped with slides, climbing frame and balancing resources are permanently out where children can exercise their large motor skills like climbing, running, and balancing.



In 2010 Government Funding enabled us to develop our outdoor area to transform it into a place that can be accessed all year round by our children. They have the opportunity to:

• Dig in the soil, plant seeds and grow vegetables
• Access a water pump and a large outdoor sand area
• Build dens and construct models on a large scale
• Explore their environment and much, much, more…

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

One of the main aims of being in a nursery is the opportunity for all young ones to experience life outside the confines of their homes. It is at the nursery that children learn there are others like them with the same personal and emotional needs. Turn taking and sharing are perhaps the first experiences which most young children encounter. They also form the basis of relationships with other adults and children who may come from different backgrounds and cultures.



Various topics based on young children's experiences are often explored and presented. Multi-cultural celebrations and customs are introduced in the hope that children will grow to understand and respect people from different lands and diverse needs. We celebrate all major festivals of different faiths during the year with stories, art and craft activities, cooking, decorations and occasionally outings.

We also celebrate the children's birthdays with games and singing. More importantly, we aim to help the child learn how to be independent and exercise the confidence needed in later life.

Some little extras …

Activities such as home sheets are sent home regularly to share with parents and carers what experiences and activities their child has been involved with, especially the ones they enjoyed and how parents and carers can build on this at home. It also includes a parent feedback box where we ask you as parents/ carers to share with us your experiences and any special events from home. This means we can bring home life into nursery and vise versa. So please, fill this in for us and drop in the box, so we can learn about what your child likes doing at home too!

Your child's progress and developmental records are available at anytime. Regular progress reports are used to inform you about your child’s progress. This profile will be given to the you when your child leaves the nursery to help with any transition to school or simply to keep as a momento of a special time in his/her life.

If you would like any further information on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, you can order the publication from:

DFES Publications
PO Box 5050
Sherwood Park
Annesley
Nottingham
NG15 0DJ
Telephone: 0845 6022260
Website: www.everychildmatters.gov.uk