Kits and Squirrels – Our Early Years Class (ages 3-4)
The first five years of a child’s life are like no other. This exceptional time forms the basis of a child’s future in all areas. That is why at Pitsford School we understand the fundamental importance of ensuring a child has the best possible start to their education. Our aim is to inspire our children to develop a lifelong love of learning.
We place the up most value on supporting our children to develop holistically, in an environment which encourages them to become confident and independent. We believe that children need to feel safe, secure and happy in order to reach their full potential, therefore we place great emphasis on their wellbeing. Learning within a relaxed and flexible atmosphere, our children can follow their own ideas, interests and, above all else, have fun!
Our small class sizes enable us to get to know our children incredibly well and provide a tailored learning journey. This personalised, child led approach to education provides children the space to thrive and nurture their unique personalities and abilities.
We recognise that play is a vital learning process which allows children to fulfil their natural curiosity and desire to find out about the world around them. By offering a stimulating and varied environment, we provide experiences to interest and challenge every child who attends our setting.
The Curriculum
We employ the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as a guide to plan the children’s learning. Within this curriculum there are seven areas of learning, three of which are a prime focus and four which are specific.
| Personal, Social and Emotional Development | Communication and Language | Physical Development |
| Literacy | Maths | Understanding the World | Expressive Arts and Design |
There are also four themes that underpin the EYFS, these are:
| A Unique Child | Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. A unique child relates to people and their environment through the Characteristics of learning (CoEL). |
| Positive Relationships | Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships. |
| Enabling Environments | Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioner and parents and carers. |
| Learning and Development | Children develop and learn in different ways. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities. |
Teaching and Learning
Teaching and learning happens via a mix of child-led independent learning time and adult led activities. As children learn best when they are engrossed in play that they enjoy, we observe and note down their current likes and interests. We then use this as a basis in which to plan from, in addition to the children’s next steps and the current topic. We provide a balance of child and adult led activities as a way of respecting and valuing the child’s voice, while also introducing them to new ideas and experiences. Adult led activities include, phonics sessions, maths challenges, circle times, as well as small group work.
We feel that interactions and discussions between the children and staff allow for fantastic teaching moments. During independent learning time, staff may start discussions to challenge or support the children as needed, or just simply observe the wonderful, purposeful play taking place.
