Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five.  As parents it is very important to make you aware of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which is how the Government and early years professionals describe the time in your child's life between birth and age 5 the end of their first year at school.

 

It is called the Foundation Stage because it gives a secure foundation for future learning.  At Norton Pre-School we agree with the EYFS that every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential.  Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances.

 

Through the EYFS we apply the standards that we must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. 

Norton Pre-School follows the EYFS Framework but encourages parents to read the link which emphasises your role as parents in helping your child develop www.foundationyears.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/EYFS_Parents_Guide.doc

 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage there are seven areas of learning.  The EYFS concentrates initially on the three prime areas Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.  These areas are the most important in teaching the key skills that all children need to develop and learn and for future learning in school.

 

As the children grow we continue to build on these prime areas mentioned above and this helps to develop into the four specific areas - Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Art and Design.  

 

These areas are all important and interconnected.  Through each area of learning we plan purposeful play through a mix of activities led by the adults and also initiated by the children.  Play is the key to the way young children learn. Play is essential so children can develop the confidence for learning, social skills needed for personal development and skills needed for writing, counting and exploring their environment. 

 

All children learn best from experiences that are suitable for their stage of development both outside and indoors.  Our activities are flexible to suit the unique needs and interests of all the children. The children learn by leading their own play and actively exploring the Pre-School environment.  They are encouraged to be curious to ask questions and creative and critical thinking.

 

Finally, the Early Years Foundation stage is about you and your child working in partnership with us at Norton Pre-School to ensure your child’s needs are best met.

 

Transition to Primary School

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We have good links with Norton Primary School which help the children with the transition to school each September.  In the last term before the children start school in September they attend Stay and Play sessions at the School.  The children are accompanied by Pre-School staff to the Primary School where they meet their teacher, explore the classroom and playground and come together for a story or circle time.  The reception teacher also comes to the Pre-School to meet the children.

 

We also run a Breakfast and After School club which is also open to Norton Primary School children.  The Pre-School children often walk to and from the school when taking and collecting the children from school. 

 

Activities

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Norton Pre-School organises various different activities for the children throughout the year.  Once a month the Library visits the Village Hall car park and the children take it in turns to select new books for the Pre-School.

 

We have visits to the Park and field on a regular basis and organise trips further afield such as Baylham Farm, Banham Zoo, Easton Farm Park, High Lodge and Playworld, once or twice a year. 

 

We also regularly invite visitors to our Pre-School such as the police, fire brigade, our local Reverend Katherine and where finances allow visits from the reptile experience and petting zoo.