The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage which focuses on the distinct needs of children from birth to 5 years of age. Play is an integral part of the curriculum. It recognises that through supported play children can explore, develop and use their curiosity and imagination to help them make sense of the world in a secure environment. They practice skills, build up ideas and concepts, think creatively and imaginatively and communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems.
The Early Years Foundation Stage is divided into three prime areas and four specific areas as follows:
Prime Areas
– Personal, Social and Emotional Development
– Physical Development
– Communication and Language
Specific Areas
– Literacy
– Understanding of the World
– Mathematics – Expressive Art and Design
Through the curriculum we ensure that each child has a solid foundation before entering school, we help the child develop in all areas not just academically. We teach them to socialise with other children and adults, express their emotions clearly, develop confidence and therefore independence and experience the environment around them.
Since we consider outside play an integral part of our syllabus the secure enclosed gardens are complete with play equipment. Hard and soft play areas are provided to ensure all age groups and a range of activities are catered for.
Lambkins are accredited members of the pre-school learning alliance which ensures we are constantly in touch with the most up-to-date thinking in the field of child education and care. You can find more information on the EYFS at: www.foundationyears.org.uk
Ofsted report, 2023
Letters and Sounds
We use Letters and Sounds, a phonics resource published by the Department for Education and Skills in 2007, with the aim of building children’s speaking and listening skills in their own right as well as to prepare children for learning to read by developing their phonic knowledge and skills. It sets out a detailed and systematic programme for teaching phonic skills for children starting to read by the age of five, with the aim of them becoming fluent readers by age seven. We also use the Jolly Phonics system which works with blending and segmenting sounds to help our children to read and write effectively.
The Family App
Here at Lambkins, we use the Family app, which we are able to share with you daily. It is used as a way of sharing information, observations, photographs and even videos of your child. By logging on with a secure username and password you will be able to view your child’s observations from their time at Lambkins. This will enable you to follow your child’s individual progress closely and you can reflect upon their achievements with your child.
Find out other ways we work with Parents here.
Staff are exceptionally skilled at identifying emerging gaps in children’s learning early on. They recognise the impact that all aspects of a child’s life can have on their development and quickly put targeted support in place. This ensures that any gaps in children’s progress are rapidly closed.
Ofsted report, 2022-23
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
At Lambkins Day Nursery & Pre-School centre we are committed to the inclusion of all children. All children have the right to be cared for and educated to develop to their full potential alongside each other through positive experiences, to enable them to share opportunities and experiences and develop and learn from each other. We provide a positive and welcoming environment where children are supported according to their individual needs.
All children have a right to experience and develop alongside their peers no matter what their individual needs. Each child’s needs are unique, therefore any attempt to categorise children is inappropriate.
In a recent Ofsted report (2022-23) the inspection cited: “Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are extremely well supported. Leaders are unwavering in their approach to accessing support for children. Children with SEND make significant progress from their individual starting points.”
To discuss your child’s individual needs, please get in touch where we will be happy to help.
We take part in weekly outdoor Forest School sessions where the children get outdoors and explore nature.
Forest School
Our meals are made with no refined sugar, reduced salt, and lots of love! Prepared on-site, we cater for all little tastebuds.
Meals
Our recently refurbished rooms coupled with our fantastic outdoor areas offer space for children to play, learn and relax.
Environment