The Early Years Foundation Stage provides a general guide of age related learning expectations for children in 7 areas of learning. At Chelsea Open Air we base learning experiences on this curriculum alongside our own experience and knowledge of how children learn. All staff are involved in the development of the curriculum, learning and teaching. We utilise our beautiful open air setting to enable children to access the curriculum in exciting and imaginative ways. The learning environment has been described as ‘the third educator’. This is not merely the physical space but also the secure relationships, stimulating activities and high quality teaching we continuously strive to provide.
Our curriculum is planned not to establish artificial boundaries, but to respond to children’s needs in physical, social, emotional and intellectual areas. Our free flow environment, inside and out, allows this flexibility and allows the educators to observe children’s learning processes and respond appropriately, whilst developing each child’s ability to be independent learners.
Below is a guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum areas;
- Communication and Language- Giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.
- Physical Development- This involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children are helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development- Helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.
- Literacy-This involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read, write and enjoy books.
- Mathematics-Providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.
- Understanding the World – Supporting children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.
- Expressive Arts and Design- Enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, roleplay, and design and technology.
We also run workshops via our Community Programme which support Parent’s /Carer’s understanding of how we facilitate and teach the different areas of learning.
Please click here for our NACE Challenge Award Report. NACE is the National Association for Able Children in Education. The NACE Challenge Award provides recognition of school-wide high-quality provision for more able learners within a context of challenge for all.