Personal, Social and Emotional

• Developing confidence and independence while learning to concentrate and to enjoy sharing as part of a group.

• Communication, Language and Literacy

• Communication with one another and developing skills in talking, listening, writing and reading.

Mathematical Development

• Using ideas about number, quantity, measurement, shape and space.

• Knowledge and Understanding of the world

• Investigating and beginning to understand the things, place and people around them.

• Physical development

• Improving control and co-ordination of their bodies while learning to move and to handle equipment

Creative Development

Finding ways to communicate by using colour, shape, sound, texture, movement and stories

Your child will receive

• Small and larger group time.

• Individual staff time.

• Encouragement and consideration for others.

• Individual assessments to enable us to implement planned activities to build on his/her developmental needs in a positive manner.

You will receive

• Exchange of information on a daily basis.

• Written reports on a regular basis to keep you informed of your child's progress.

• A parent/carer form for your contributions.

The Foundations Stage

The nursery is registered with OFSTED and has attained excellent inspection reports. The summary of judgements of our OFSTED report was that the nursery does promote the early learning goals for children's learning in all the required six area's on entering compulsory education (i.e. by the age of five).

A copy of the full report is available by request, from the Officer in Charge.
The Foundation Stage

Our curriculum provides a foundation for learning related to each child's stage, and is planned around the six areas of learning. During the Foundation stage these areas of learning will be introduced in ways that are suitable for young children, often through experiences and activities. Our staff will build on each child's existing skills and interest, and on their play activities, in order to help them learn.

What is the Foundation Stage?

The Foundation stage is the period of education from age 3 to 5. The last year of the Foundation Stage is often called the reception year as many children join a school reception class during that time.

Why is it important?

It is called the Foundation Stage because it gives children secure foundations for later learning. Childhood is important in itself and we want all children to have enjoyable and satisfying childhood experiences. Early experiences also affect children's attitudes to learning. They create the basis for later learning in school and beyond.

What is new about it?

This period is a distinct stage with its own early learning goals. Most children should be able to reach these by the end of the Foundation Stage. This will prepare them for work on the national curriculum at Key stage 1.

All four year olds and many three year olds are entitled to funding of pre-school education ( 5 x 2.5 hrs per week, term time only ).

As a registered setting we are committed to work with children in ways which will enable them to make progress towards the early learning goals. The goals set out what most children are expected to know, understand and be able to do by the end of the Foundation Stage.

How will my child learn?

All children learn best from experiences that are suitable for their stage of development. Play is the key to the way young children learn. Through play your child can develop, for example:

• The confidence need for learning

• The social skills need for personal development

• The skills needed for writing

In that way your child will become more independent and will be able to tackle simple problems.

Does every child have to reach the early learning goals?

We hope most children will have reached all the early learning goals by the end of the Foundation Stage. Some children will go beyond them in some areas and our staff will be ready to prove new challenges.. We will also provide extra help for children whom, for a range of reasons, may need it.

Does this affect the age my child will start school?

Your child must be in full-time education by the term after his/her fifth birthday. Most Northamptonshire Schools accept children for their Reception Class in the September following their 4th Birthday.

What about Equal Opportunities ?

We endeavour to provide each child with the same opportunities irrespective of race, sex, religion or social class. Through our work we aim to challenge all stereotyping and prejudice and to promote harmony between children. We feel it is important that every child experiences success in as many aspects of his/her life at Hardingstone Day Nursery as possible.