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.

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.