The Early Years Foundation Stage is a framework that sets the standards for early years development, learning and welfare from birth to five years of age. It provides a structure to guide carers with providing provision. The Early Years Foundation Stage is comprised of four complementary themes:
“A Unique Child”
A recognition that each child develops in different ways, at different rates and each area of development is equally important. Respecting the diversity of individuals, promoting non-discriminatory practice. Not only keeping young children safe, but encouraging self-esteem and helping build resilience.
“Positive Relationships”
Interactions with and between children and adults at nursery should always be respectful, providing positive role-models and demonstrating caring, respectful behaviour is very much part of supporting children in their learning. Viewing parents and carers in a partnership role and working together will have a positive impact on children. Practitioners who are able to ‘tune in’ rather than talk at children will be more effective than any resources. The aim of a ‘key person’ is to build a special relationship with their children and families and help children be confident, self assured and independent.
“Enabling Environments”
Starting with the child means observing to find out about what they like, dislike, need, want, are interested in and can do. From this we can plan activities and resources that are relevant to each child. A rich and varied learning environ- ment, indoor and out, will support learning and development and provide children with the confidence to explore further. Providing children with a wider view of the world and the wider explore essential in helping them make sense of what they see and hear.
“Learning and Development”
Children’s play is their learning! Consider your child when they are deeply involved in play, doing something they clearly enjoy – playing with blocks, role play, puzzles, exploring textures, mark-making – this is at it’s highest level!
KEY PERSON
Every child is allocated a Key Person prior to starting the nursery. The role of a Key Person is to help your child to settle in and to build up a relationship with you so you feel you can discuss your child’s progress and development at any time you like. Your child’s Key Person will also be responsible for ensuring that records are kept up to date.
Our bespoke settling in package
Here at The Village Nursery and Pre-school, we strive to ensure that every child’s start at nursery is as calm and enjoyable as possible. To ensure this we offer a bespoke settling in package tailored to each individual child and family.
Your child’s key person will work together in partnership with you so that your journey with Busy Bees is positive from the start.
At the first settling in session, we invite you to stay with your child so that they can familiarise themselves with the room they will be in and they key workers who will care for them, whilst still having a familiar face nearby. During this time, we will discuss your child’s stage of development with yourself using a document called, ‘What to Expect, When?’. The purpose of this booklet is to help you as a parent/carer find out more about how your child is learning and developing during their first five years, in relation to the EYFS. Children develop more rapidly during the first five years of their lives than at any other time. This booklet has been written to help you as a parent know what to expect during these vitally important years by focusing on the seven areas of learning and development which are covered in the EYFS.
As your child becomes more comfortable in the nursery, you will be able to leave your child for short periods of time to build their confidence ready for a full session at nursery.
During your settling in visits, we will ensure that we understand your child’s current routine, how your child likes to be comforted, if they have a special comforter, a favourite story or activity they like to do. Throughout your child’s time at nursery, their Key Person will tailor activities to suit your child’s interests.
ICONNECT AND PARENTZONE
All our children have an online learning journey that enables Key Persons to make curriculum-based observations that are uploaded at the click of a button and available for you to see instantly through your free online app, ParentZone. ParentZone brings you closer to your child’s development in nursery. You will see a timeline of your child’s day at nursery, you can view photos, videos and notes on your child’s daily activities as well as book extra sessions, settle bills and update contact information straight from your phone.
The Management Team and Key Persons regularly track and report children’s progress to ensure that children are making good progress and receiving the best support possible. You will be invited into nursery throughout the year for parent consultations to discuss your child’s progress and overall well-being and will also receive regular written reports.
