LEARNING THROUGH PLAY AND THE FOUNDATION STAGE

Learning through play is the most natural and positive form of learning for under 5 year olds in any childcare setting. Here at Hickory House we feel that we provide the children with the opportunity to reach all the necessary skills and goals that are required for school and to go on to become a confident and successful learner. We do this by providing well-planned and purposeful play that allows the children to develop into happy, confident individuals.

NURSERY PLAY BRINGS SUCCESS

Professor Kathy Sylva of Oxford University, reporting on research findings, said
"Children encouraged to initiate their own play were better at reading and writing by the time they reached primary school...;"
An over emphasis on formal academic skills whilst at Nursery caused higher levels of anxiety and lower self esteem by the time they reached Primary school.
Other researches went further - they found adults who played at Nursery were more likely to have happy, stable relationships and better job prospects than those who followed a narrow academic pre - school curriculum.

Source: The Times Educational Supplement, 5th January 2001.

The foundation stage is the stage of learning between the ages of 3and 5 years. It is called the 'Foundation Stage' because it gives children secure foundations for later learning. It is the preparation for school and the learning that will follow.

• Six early learning goals have been set into the foundation stage and these are as follows: -
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication, language and literacy
• Mathematical development
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Creative development

All these areas are covered through the weekly and monthly planning of the nursery curriculum.
The Nursery adopts a relaxed 'learning through play' approach to all these areas in a positive, enriching environment, where children will be given the opportunity to experience the very best possible start to education.
We will ensure that:-

• The age, ability and individual needs of each child are taken into account.
• There are opportunities for children to develop and extend their knowledge, understanding and skills.
• There are opportunities for children to develop a sense of achievement, self-control and independence.
• All children become a valued member of the setting and so promoting a strong self-image and self esteem.
• We allow constant opportunities for children to talk and communicate in a wide range of situations.
• Children learn to socialize, share and co-operate with each other at all times.
• We promote a happy and smooth transition from nursery to school.