Curriculum

We in Beavers Lodge Playgroup follow Early years Foundation stage curriculum (EYFS). The early years professionals work together to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) .

What is Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

The EYFS was first introduced in 2008 and is the link, how the government and professionals working with young children describe important stage in a child’s life between birth and age five.

Over the years EYFS has been updated several times based on the current research into how young children learn and develop, and government policy related to children and families. The most recent version of EYFS came into force from 1^st of September 2021.

Our playgroup is registered with Ofsted and is inspected to ensure that the quality and standards are maintained in the provision. Ofsted inspects our setting to check that as an Early Years provider we are meeting the requirements of the EYFS.

The EYFS is a legal document and any failure to meet a requirement of the EYFS may result in action being taken by Ofsted.

Why do we have EYFS?

Children learn and develop rapidly from the time they are born. The home is the first environment where play and learning takes place, supported by parents and other family members. Babies learn to crawl, walk and talk and they begin to interact with people and environment around them.

Their brains develop rapidly in these formative years and create a vital foundation for their learning throughout life.

The research says that the experiences of childhood carries a significant impact on their future life chances and high quality early years care and education makes the biggest difference to every child.

The EYFS provides a framework that “sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good progress through school and life.” (EYFS 2021)

What is in the EYFS?

The EYFS has three sections:

Section 1: Learning and development:

In this section the early years providers must do to promote the learning and development of all children in their care in seven areas:

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

The first three areas are prime areas because they are closely linked to a child’s brain development in the first three years of life.

The following four areas are described as specific areas of learning and development. These areas are development when parents and early years educators know what they want children to learn and create the right opportunities for learning to take place.

The activities and experiences ( educational programmes) that we provide in our setting are based on child’s individual needs and interests.

We put emphasis on learning through play as “play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems” (EYFS 2021)

Section 2 Assessment

This section describes how children’s progress is recognised. There is an additional guidance that support EYFS to help educators to recognise and interpret where a child is in their learning journey. The additional guidance is not intended to be a checklist that educators use to track a child’s development by ticking off one stage after another.

Learning does not progress in a set sequence of events which is why educators observe children constantly and use their professional knowledge to identify the areas of learning that a child is secure in, what they need to know next, and any areas where they may need additional support.

Assessment is not all about paperwork and written reports, but the EYFS expects that “parents and / or carers should be kept up to date with their child’s progress and development” and discuss any additional needs with us and with other relevant professionals.

There are three formal assessment points in the EYFS

The progress check at age two.
The reception baseline assessment completed by the child’s school.
Assessment at the end of EYFS profile- which is completed in the final term of the year the child terms five.

Section 3 The safeguarding and welfare requirements

This section explains that to safeguard children, providers must “ensure the suitability pf adults who have contact with children, promote good health, manage behaviour and maintain records, policiies and procedures.” (EYFS 2021)

How are the parents involved?

Early years educators are professionals who understand how children learn and develop. They are appropriately qualified for the role they undertake and continue to update their skills and knowledge.

They understand that you make a vital difference to children’s outcomes which is why the EYFS places a strong emphasis on the importance of working in partnership with parents.

The two way communication between parents and the child’s key person helps to ensure that the child gets the best possible care and learning.

Why join Beavers Lodge Playgroup?

Beavers Lodge Playgroup provides care for 2-5 year olds and is rated “outstanding” by Ofsted. The Playgroup operates from a well-equipped building with open plan space inside and out. We are proud to provide a stimulating environment where children can grow and develop; where staff are valued and training is available. The playgroup offers a professional, vibrant, creative and welcoming environment with high expectations for all. We are seeking to appoint the following:

Beavers Lodge Playgroup is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

With Regards,

Sonali Mukherjee

Manager

Beavers Lodge Playgroup.