Curriculum - What will my child do and learn?

The most important thing that your children will learn during their time with us is independence. It is important that children learn for themselves at their own pace and there is always someone close by to offer support and encouragement.

Learning the social skills to mix and play with other children is sometimes hard - sharing and taking turns are sometimes difficult, but important lessons. Learning to sit still, to listen and to concentrate for short periods are again important, especially for school later on.

Whilst they are with us the children learn to:
  - Share and play with other children
  - Trust new adults and accept new situations
  - Experiment with all sorts of materials and activities
  - Express themselves in many different ways
  - Develop their language skills
  - Work things out
  - Do things for themselves

We follow the new Early Years Foundation Stage
Curriculum which came into effect in September 2008
and has been designed for all children from Birth until
 the end of their reception year in school.

This is divided into 6 areas of learning:
  - Personal, Social and Emotional
  - Communication, Language and Literacy
  - Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
  - Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  - Physical Development
  - Creative Development

Special Educational Needs
If any child needs special support, we follow the DFEE Code of Practice for Special Education Needs. Full details can be found in our Policy & Procedures manual.

Record keeping- "Look what I can do" folders.
Records are kept of each child's positive achievements and progress whilst at playgroup. Parents are welcome to contribute to them at any time. The records are confidential and will only be seen by the child's parents, playgroup staff, West berkshires early years team and Ofsted inspectors. They will be given to parents when the child leaves the playgroup.