Our Learning Objectives

Children learn through play and we therefore access all of the below through carefully planned fun activities.

The Early Learning Goals emphasise six key areas of learning:

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children develop confidence, show appropriate self respect and are able to establish effective relationships with other children and with adults. They can work as part of a group or individually; they are able to concentrate and preserve their learning and seek help where needed. They are eager to explore new learning, and show ability to initiate ideas and to solve simple practical problems. They can demonstrate independence in selecting an activity or resources and in dressing and personal hygiene.Children develop sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others and show respect for people of other cultures and beliefs. They can take turns and share fairly. They can express their feelings and behave in appropriate ways developing an understanding of what is right, what is wrong and why.

We provide many opportunities for children to develop these areas. For example, by caring for each other, helping the younger children be helping to look after our small pets, by promoting good table manners and trying new food and by appreciating that things which are different are acceptable. The children are also encouraged to become more independent by clearing away toys and equipment that has been used. High expectations for behaviour are set and children are helped to distinguish between good and bad behaviour.

2.  Language, Literacy and Communication

In small and large groups children can listen attentively, they can listen and respond to stories, nursery rhymes and poems. Children know that words and pictures carry meaning. Our staff are always on hand to support and listen to each and every child. We ask questions to allow children to develop their language skills and thought process. We encourage children to listen to each other.

We realise that reading is a fundamental part of a child’s growth, stories, poetry, rhymes and non fiction books are enjoyed daily which also helps to extend a child’s everyday language and understanding of the world. Childrens fine motor skills, an essential requirement for writing are developed through play such as drawing, cutting, sticking, painting and play dough.

3.  Mathematics

We aim to develop a positive attitude in numeracy and other mathematical areas. We believe that young children appreciate mathematics best when they can learn through a variety of practical experiences which provide pleasure and enjoyment. We use a practical approach allowing children to count, sort, and measure and develop an awareness of pattern and numbers; we also encourage work with shapes, spaces and measures. We provide opportunities for children to select from a wide variety of suitable resources which include number rhymes, songs, stories and games.

4. Knowledge and understanding of the world

We encourage each child to talk about where they live, their families, pets and past and present events in their lives. They can explore and recognize features of living things, objects and events in the natural and man made world and look closely at similarities, difference, patterns and change. We give the children an opportunity to talk about and record their observations, including questioning why things happen and how things work.

Children begin to learn about their own cultures and the beliefs of others. Where appropriate we use technology to help with the children’s learning. Interest, nature and science tables are used to develop the children’s curiosity,

5. Physical Development

The children learn to move confidently and imaginatively with increasing control, co-ordination and awareness of space and others. The children have access to our large landscaped garden area where they can enjoy a vast range of activities such as wheeled toys, slides, climbing frames, swings, and sandpit.

6. Creative Development

We encourage the children to explore and develop imagination through music, art, role play, free play and we regularly praise their individual approaches. We have a variety of different material such as paint, collage material, junk modeling, play dough and sand and water for he children to experiment with.

“Here at Little Tewkes Nursery & Childrens Centre learning is made enjoyable to help create an attitude towards learning that once formed will last a lifetime.”