Learning and Development

At Millbrook preschool we use the practice guidance Early Years Foundation Stage to plan and provide a range of play activities which help children to make progress in each of the areas of learning and development.

The early years foundation stage consists of three prime areas
• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development.

And four specific areas
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design.
• Staff use the early years framework to observe children through play and
plan activities suited to each child’s needs and levels of development.

Children at Millbrook preschool learn by playing and exploring and being active, which takes place both indoors and outside.
Skilled staff help children to make progress by extending play opportunities and providing an environment which promotes independence.

Our daily routine allows us to create many teachable moments that support each area of the foundation stage.

Personal, social and emotional development.

We create a tranquil, welcoming and nurturing environment, All children are supported to form positive friendships with both peers and staff. Respect and democracy are promoted throughout the session, Children are given small responsibilities to help promote self-confidence. Children are involved in creating and promoting our rules.

Communication and language.

Children’s vocabulary is extended through play opportunities and careful questioning, modelling and extending of conversations with staff. Our daily rhyme and story sessions also support communication skills.

Physical development

Healthy lifestyles are promoted daily in our preschool, the children are supported to develop good self-care routines and our healthy snack provides opportunities to discuss healthy choices.

A range of activities daily help support gross and fine motor skills, this can include, dancing, skipping, balancing games, outdoor PE sessions, nature walks or threading, cutting and pencil control through creative play.

Literacy

We follow phase 1 letters and sounds to create a firm foundation for reading. This includes many listening games both indoors and during outside learning.

We are members of the local library and have a wide range of books for children to enjoy and grow and love of reading.
We have our own mini lending library in the foyer so parents can borrow books to support literacy at home

Maths

Counting and number recognition skills are developed through planned activities and as part of daily routine, such as counting at registration, self service at snack time with number cards for portions and through songs, rhymes and stories.

Children are given opportunities to gain understanding of space, shape and measure through activities such as cooking, water play, puzzle and creative play.

Understanding the world

Children are encouraged to celebrate the similarities and differences between themselves and other families, communities and countries.
Our topics help to promote celebrations around the world and traditions within our community

Children are given the opportunity to play and explore a range of ICT equipment.

Expressive arts and design.

Children’s independence is promoted by providing a range of arts and crafts resources daily, this independence helps children to become more adventurous in expressing their ideas through their art.
A wide range of shapes, colours and natural resources are included in our art area.

Role play and small world are available daily, this helps to develop communication skills and conversations between children as well as promoting imaginative play.

Children enjoy daily songs and opportunities to join in with dance and musical instruments.