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Curriculum

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. 
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage

There are 7 areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

 Children predominantly develop the 3 prime areas first which include:
• Communication and language 
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development. 

As children progress they will also develop skills within the 4 specific areas which include:
• Literacy 
• Mathematics 
• Expressive arts and design 
• Understanding the world
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We plan our lessons and activities based on these 7 areas of learning.  This curriculum will continue through to your child's Reception year and we will pass on a progress report, at your request, to your child's chosen school.
We have termly parent-teacher meetings where we discuss your child’s progress and next steps for learning.
 

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Explore & Discover

Children have the opportunity to independently explore activities and resources across the 7 areas of learning throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.  They are supported, encouraged and challenged by practitioners (and their peers!) which helps children develop their curiosity, questioning skills and identify their own next steps in learning.  You will receive a Theme map which outlines what the children will be exploring for each term.  We adapt this theme map to reflect children’s interests and needs so it is always growing and changing over the term.  Children do cooking at least once per week and help prepare our daily snack (keep an eye out for our upcoming Puddleduck Cookbook!).  We are also keen gardeners and the children have great fun growing vegetables which they harvest and prepare for snack.  Be prepared for lots of carrot and tomato loving children!  Each week we also do story yoga and Musical Express in addition to our enrichment activities.

Phonics

We use a synthetic phonics programme called "Letters and Sounds" along with "Jolly Phonics" actions and songs.  We teach children how to identify the sounds within words, how to blend those sounds together (a skill needed for reading) and how to segment the sounds within a word (a skill needed for writing).  This is taught through fun, multi-sensory activities.
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Parent workshops 

We offer parent workshops on topics including "Helping your child to read", "Transition to School" and "Early Numeracy".

Enrichment Activities

Throughout the year various enrichment activities are offered.  These include French club, Forest School, ballet and PLAYBALL.  There will be an additional fee if you wish to take part in enrichment activities.  A termly offer of these classes will be published in your welcome pack.