Curriculum

Early Years Foundation Stage

Sunnyside Nursery plans for the children’s activities based on the Early Years areas of learning that form the framework for the Foundation Stage set by the Department of Education.  These learning areas are divided into seven main areas:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Here children are encouraged to realise the significance and benefits of playing, working and co-operating with each other and adults.  Development of confidence and greater independence is promoted to help the child understand their own needs and gain a positive sense of themselves and others.  

Communication & Language

Sunnyside Nursery recognises that many children in the community lack confidence in speaking, although they may have a good understanding of language.  Therefore, our staff aim to encourage communication through a variety of opportunities to experience a rich language environment and practicing language use through; interacting and playing with other children, circle time, role-play which develops their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Literacy

Encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write.  Children are given access to a range of reading materials to ignite their interests and develop speaking when retelling stories.

Mathematics

The daily routine consists of many opportunities for children to learn about and use mathematical language and concepts during the session.  Recognition of number names, numerals and the basic concepts of addition and subtraction is learnt through counting games and songs, matching and sorting as well as imaginative play and to describe and practice shapes, space and measure.  

Understanding the World

In this area, understanding and skills are developed to help children make sense of the physical world around them and to value each other’s beliefs and cultures in our community.  Children are invited to reflect on past activities and experiences and compare them to the present to gain a sense of time, similarities, differences, patterns and change.  Also, the nursery environment and planned activities help stimulate a sense of inquiry in children and encourage more constructive investigation of both the natural environment and the man-made world.

Physical Development

In the nursery children have the chance to be active and interactive with their peers.  This builds up greater confidence, control and co-ordination in mobility and physical control through a variety of physical activities.  Opportunities are available for movement through balancing; climbing under, over and through objects both indoors and outdoors.  Children are presented with a wide range of activities and resources to support their fine and gross motor skills.

Expressive Arts & Design

The exploration of sound, colour, texture, shape, form and space in two and three dimensions is provided for through creative activities, involving art, stories, rhymes, sounds, shakers and imaginative role-play.  A wide range of materials are available as well as costumes, instruments and tools in different sizes to help children express their ideas in various ways what they see, hear, touch, smell and feel.  Through these opportunities children gain greater control over handling a variety of materials for creative expression with safety.

Positive Relationships

Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.

We focus on learning through play which encourages exploration and investigation, helping children reach their potential in a safe and healthy environment backed by a well-trained team of caring employees.

Your Child's Educational Development

A Unique Child

Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

We always encourage our children in both structured learning and free play. This balance provides children with independence and life skills.

Enabling Environments

The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development and learning.

Parental Involvement

Parents participate in our nursery's extended learning programme which involves both family and nursery in own child's learning.

Links:

www.foundationyears.org.uk

www.education.gov.uk/publications

For further information please contact us