How We Learn

Playmates Nurseries follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5-years-old.

Every child deserves the best possible start in life. Research shows that a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right but good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation needed for children to fulfil their potential.

At Playmates Nurseries each child has a key person who:

  • Develops a strong bond with your little one, allowing them to play freely and confidently whilst feeling safe and self-assured
  • Plans quality activities and learning experiences based on your child’s individual needs
  • Builds a strong, collaborative partnership with parents
  • Records, tracks and celebrates your child’s progress with you through our online learning journals

The EYFS curriculum

There are seven areas of Learning and Development within EYFS. Whilst all are important and inter-connected, the framework splits learning into three ‘Prime Areas’ and four ‘Specific Areas’.

The Prime Areas are fundamental to igniting a child’s curiosity and building their capacity to learn. These are: Communication and Language; Physical Development; and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

The Specific Areas strengthen and apply the Prime Areas. These are: Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Art and Design.

Communication and language

Providing an environment where children grow their confidence and learn to express themselves in a variety of situations

Physical development

Helping children develop their co-ordination, control, and movement through active and interactive play. Children are also taught about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating

Personal, social and emotional development

Creating a setting where children develop a positive sense of themselves, form positive relationships and develop respect for others. Children learn how to manage their feelings, understand appropriate behaviour in groups and to have confidence in their own abilities

Literacy

Encouraging children to link sounds and letters and begin to read and write. Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials including books and poems to ignite their interest

Mathematics

Helping children with their counting skills, understanding numbers and simple addition and subtraction problems

Understanding the world

Guiding 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, and for giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through art, music, movement, dance, role-play, design and technology

The Curiosity Approach