Early Years
Intention
The intention is that all children demonstrate the three characteristics of effective learning:
• playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
• active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements
• creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.
The intention is that all children are taught (OFSTED definition for EY) effectively:
• communication and language • physical development • personal, social and emotional development
literacy • mathematics • understanding the world • expressive arts and design.
Implementation
In Reffley Early Years we provide an environment that is free flow, rich with possibilities, develops children’s independence and puts children right at the centre of their own learning. Our practice is play-based since we believe that play with all its language, physicality and social interaction is what gives children the right and appropriate grounding for their educational journey. We incorporate direct teaching times across each day to introduce and consolidate skills in phonics, mathematics, personal and emotional development and the other areas.
Impact
Children are confident and independent and want to learn. They demonstrate the ability to think for themselves and make links.
Children make good progress from their starting points and children go on to typically achieve GLD at the end of the Reception year.