Research has shown that 50% of a child’s ability to learn is developed in the first four years of life and another 30% of that ability before the age of 8. The content of the curriculum planning is important and recognises that communication, play and partnership with parents is crucial in children’s learning. Much emphasis is made of learning through play because play comes naturally to children, and their enjoyment is so self – evident and spontaneous. It is their natural way of integrating and exercising their curiosity,

energy, vitality and capacity for learning in its widest sense. Therefore also incorporated into the planning is an array of play based learning with different materials, colours, imaginary play and music.

Play is the means by which children learn through which they make sense of the world. It is our aim to focus children’s learning on the early learning goals which covers a wide variety of subjects that are nationally recognised.

The Early Learning Goals are:

Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Provides opportunities for play and learning, show independence, feel safe and secure and develop a sense of trust.

Communication, Language and Literacy
Providing opportunities for children to communicate, thoughts, ideas and feelings. Giving opportunity to share and enjoy a wide range of music, rhymes, stories and song.

Mathematical Development
Should be developed by planning a range of mathematical activities to encourage an interest in numbers and counting.

Creative Development
Your child will be encouraged to explore colour, shapes and textures, and experience the art of dance through music and song.

Physical Development
Your child will be encouraged to improve skills of co-ordination, control manipulation and movement, to help them gain confidence in what they can do which will enable them to feel better about themselves.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World
children are encouraged to develop skills and understanding that help them make sense of the world. Children are given opportunities to become aware of, explore and question issues of differences in regards to gender, religion, culture, language.