PRE-SCHOOL DAY

Learning at Haselbury Plucknett Pre-School

The Early Years Foundation Stage offers a flexible approach to care and learning. Children learn through play supported when needed by trained practitioners.

The EYFS gives a clear indication of the importance of play

“Play underpins all development and learning for young children. In their play children learn at the highest level.”

The Early Years Foundation Stage is a distinct stage with its own curriculum and is part of a recognised learning process which starts at birth. The Foundation Curriculum consists of seven areas of learning based on a child’s development. This curriculum continues until the end of the reception year. The Catkins class teacher works very closely with the Pre-School group and advises the staff on all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Each week, the staff will plan various activities, usually based around a specific theme. During a typical session, children will have access to a range of child-led and adult-led learning opportunities.

During both morning and afternoon sessions children have the opportunity to flow between the indoor and outdoor environment where a variety of activities will be set out for them. These will include:-

• Construction on a large and small scale
• Role play
• Mark making
• Exploring the natural world
• Free movement and music
• Sand and water play
• Creative play
• Sensory play
• Quiet, rest and book areas

The start and end of sessions tend to see all the children coming together. Activities include singing, news sharing, stories and circle time activities.

During the session, we also encourage children to become more independent through helping with simple tasks such as tidying away toys or art equipment, serving fruit and pouring milk or water.

At break time the children enjoy fruit and/or vegetables and a drink. Children are encouraged to bring a piece of fruit or a vegetable to share with the group. We offer and encourage children to drink milk or water. If your child will not drink either of these please talk to the Supervisor.

Lunch Club is from 12 to 1pm. The children eat their packed lunch and enjoy conversation with their peers and members of staff. Healthy eating is actively promoted and we would ask parents not to include foods such as sweets, chocolates or fizzy drinks in lunch boxes. Please let us know if your child has a food allergy so that we can support their needs effectively.

As we are part of Haselbury Plucknett First School, there will be occasions when we will join together for various activities with the rest of the school community.