- Expressive Arts and Design-
- Exploring using Media and Materials
- Being Imaginative
Activities are based around these development, which are planned well ahead to create effective learning. Children’s interests are central as we believe “if learning is to take place, a childs interest must be put forward. We understand that children just like us, like to do things without being directed all the time which is why child initiated play is important. It helps us understand them and who they are and in our opinion, that is the best way we can get to know their understanding and skills. We also have a ‘Free Flow’ system which allows children to interact with other children that are older or younger than them and it helps them build relationship and learn new skills and knowledge.
“Staff place a strong emphasis on promoting children’s speaking and listening skills. Children who speak English as an additional language are supported well. This helps to ensure that all children are prepared for their move to school.” – Ofsted, Sept 2017
Children’s observations are posted online on an app called Tapestry. Before Tapestry Journal this is done, we ensure permissions slips are filled in and don’t worry all observations, pictures and videos are completely confidential and is not available to see for other parents and staff except yourselves and the child\’s keyworker. With your permission we are able to give access to other people such as relatives. Tapestry is a safe app and is there so parents are able to view what their child/ren have been up to throughout the week in the comfort of their own home.
How are they Assessed?
We use the Early Learning Goals to assess children which is based on observations and they are reviewed every Term. We hold parents evening to help parents understand where their child is at and what their Next Steps is. Our Tracking system help practitioners understand how each child is developing and through this, we are able to detect any developmental delay involving parents in every steps. Summative Reports are done every year and before a child leaves for school, we work with their school to ease children’s Transition period and with parents permission we will be able to give a copy pf the report to the school as part of the Transition period. When a child starts our nursery, we complete what is called a Baseline assessment to help us understand what they already know which allows us to plan next steps to further develop them. we create individual plans every term to give us an idea of what we need to work on with them to build a certain development or skill.