The Early Years Foundation Phase
Education is changing so that we can prepare children better for a changing world. There are four purposes that will be the foundation of everything children learn. All children and young people will get support to be:
- Ambitious, capable learners who are ready to learn throughout their lives
- Enterprising, creative contributors who are ready to play a full part in life and work
- Ethical, informed citizens who are ready to take part in Wales and the world
- Healthy, confident individuals who are ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society
We set out to support all children attending the Daycare Centre to attain their maximum potential within their individual capabilities. A personalised record, in the form of a scrapbook of every child's development is maintained, showing their abilities, progress, and interests, and areas which require more support by staff or parents. We acknowledge that children learn in different ways and at different rates.
The staff are very aware of the importance of a positive play environment for the child, where learning experiences by the staff is further designed to ensure, as far as practical, equality of opportunity between all children and a celebration of diversity.
We implement the Foundation Phase curriculum set by Estyn to support and enhance children’s learning and development holistically through play-based activities. We view all aspects of learning and development and ensure a flexible approach is maintained, which responds quickly to children’s learning and developmental needs.
The Foundation Phase Framework for children’s learning for 3 to 7 year olds in Wales (WAG, 2008d) also offers many opportunities for developingEducation for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC). It encourages experimental learning and co-operative child-led play and places emphasis on the holistic development of children and their skills across the curriculum.
The six areas of learning in ‘Let’s get started-a new curriculum in Wales’ are:
- Expressive Arts
- Health and Well-being
- Humanities
- Language, Literacy and Communication
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Science and Technology
Indoor and outdoor environments that are fun, exciting, stimulating and safe, promote children’s development and natural curiosity to explore and learn through first-hand experience. The Tir na n-Og environment will promote discovery and independence and a greater emphasis on using the outdoor environment as a resource for children’s learning.
We will ensure that all staff understand how children develop and will help them to connect with their learning. We will take into account children’s developmental needs and the skills that they need to grow to be confident learners. We will also take into account the obstacles that prevent play, learning, and taking part that can occur from physical, sensory, educational and communication difficulties. The importance of personal and social development will also be taken into account.
