Curriculum

At Dry Drayton Pre-School, each area of learning and development is delivered through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play that is guided by adults.

The areas of learning are:

Communication and language
Physical development
Personal, social and emotional development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the world
Expressive arts and design

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a statutory framework for providing learning, development and care for all children from birth to five. One of the principles of the EYFS is that each child should be at the centre of their learning experience and involved in high-quality play that is suited to their individual needs.

The Early Years Foundation Stage is based around four themes:

A Unique Child
Positive Relationships
Enabling Environments
Learning & Development

An important feature of the EYFS is that it is a developmental framework. Rather than prescribing a set of learning objectives or ‘targets’, it is intended to provide a continuum of development which acknowledges the fact that children are unique and may not progress in the same way or at a uniform rate.

Another important aspect of the Early Years Foundation Stage is that each child receives consistent care and support from an assigned key person. This member of staff will get to know both you and your child well and be able to provide sensitive care, supporting your child’s emotional needs and getting to know their interests during their time with us.

You can find out more about the EYFS on the government’s website.

Our Curriculum Goals: Bluebells (Rising 5s)

Settle in and become a confident learner	Develop friendships with other children	Talk with others to solve conflicts
Able to write the first letter of their name	Sing a large repertoire of songs	Become increasingly independent in meeting their own care needs
Say one number for each item in order 1-5	Select and use resources independently	Enjoy imaginative play with other children

Our Curriculum Goals: Poppies (Rising 3s)

Share toys with other children	Begin engaging in pretend play	Follow two step simple instructions
Recognise their own name	Say sentences with 2 to 4 words	Begin sorting colours and shapes
Pedal a tricycle	Toilet trained with assistance	Separates from parents/carers

Assessment

Your child’s progress will be reviewed between ages two and three and at the end of the school year when they turn four by the pre-school team. The assessment is based on classroom observation – your child won’t be tested. It uses the early learning goals, which can be found in the EYFS.