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The Early Year Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework sets standards for the learning, development and care of all children from birth to 5 years. The EYFS Framework supports an integrated approach to early learning and care. There are seven areas of learning:

  • Communication and language
  • Physical development
  • Personal, social and emotional development
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the world
  • Expressive arts and design

At St Nicolas Playgroup these seven areas form the basis when planning our weekly topics along with taking each child’s interests and experiences into account through our key worker system. This ensures activities are suited to your child’s unique needs.

Key worker system

Our key worker system gives staff responsibility for a small number of children. Your key worker will meet you and your child prior to starting, to help ease the settling in period. Key workers will maintain links with parents through shared record keeping using Tapestry (our online learning journal), comfort cards, post settling in review sheet, health and development issues and known allergies, and will ensure that all children are helped to reach their full potential.

Tapestry

Tapestry is an On-line Learning Journal to record children’s photos, observations and comments in line with the Early Year Foundation Stage. You will be able to access Tapestry freely and can also download or print photos and observations of your child and will be alerted by email of any updates. A massive advantage is that parents/carers are able to input any comments and share your child’s journal with members of the family. We will also be able to share information with any other settings your child attends.

Enrichment activities

At St Nicolas Playgroup we believe children learn best by playing and exploring. This takes place both in and outdoors. To further support your child’s development; we provide them with the opportunity to participate in a number of additional activities which offer further enrichment and help to develop their interests and abilities. These include:

  • Weekly cooking sessions
  • Gardening Club
  • Yoga/Mindfulness