The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework – Learning through Play

We celebrate the fact that when children join Bowerdean, they have already had many experiences at home which support their learning and development. We also know that research tells us that children learn best when they have long periods of uninterrupted play.

In partnership with families staff plan a wide range of learning experiences which build on what children already know and can do. The nursery is well resourced to ensure that children have a broad range of play opportunities both inside and outside. We are flexible in what we provide and regularly adapt our planning to follow the interests of the children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage covers the three prime areas and four specific areas of learning:

Prime Areas

• Communication and Language – listening and giving attention, understanding, speaking, talking
• Physical Development – Moving and handling, control and coordination, spacial awareness, health & self-care, using equipment and materials both inside & outside
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development – self confidence & self awareness, managing feelings and behaviour, making relationships

These three prime areas are strengthened and applied through the four specific areas of learning:

Specific areas

• Literacy – phonics, reading and writing
• Mathematics – counting, numbers, calculating, space, shape & measure
• Understanding the World – people and communities, places, objects, materials and living things, design & making, select and use ICT
• Expressive Arts and Design – exploring and using media and materials, expressing ideas, music, dance, imaginative play

Children have access to a wide range of activities and resources including: – sand and water play, creative areas with collage, painting and drawing, modelling with dough, clay and recycled materials, role-play areas with dressing-up clothes and puppets, construction equipment both small and large, small world play, musical instruments, puzzles and mathematical equipment, computers, book areas with comfortable chairs, writing areas with a wide range of resources for the encouragement of early writing and regular cooking sessions.

We make full use of our outside environment (including Keep Hill Woods, Wycombe Rye and other local parks) all year and in all weathers. Children are able to develop their physical skills as they ride on bikes and trikes, climb, play with balls and hoops and enjoy being close to nature.

For more information about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Please follow the link below:

We have very high expectations regarding the behaviour of our children whilst understanding that young children are learning how to socialise with others. It is important that you work with us as we help children to develop a sense of self respect and of respect for each other. We also encourage children to respect their environment and use a variety of strategies such as positive reinforcement for good behaviour, to support this development. Information about how we manage children’s behaviour can be found in our behaviour management policy.

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."

- Fred Rogers