How we learn

Play-based early learning

Ethos

At Hauxton Preschool we strive to provide every child with the love, support and encouragement they need to propel their independence to be strong, successful learners.

We pride ourselves on providing an inviting, cozy and adaptable environment with accessible resources for children to lead their own learning and develop their sense of self.

Our staff are an enormous aspect of our Preschool's ethos and curriculum, they share the passion for children to be confident in understanding their thoughts and feelings

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

We follow the Early Years Foundation stages of learning (EYFS). We observe and assess our children in the prime areas: Physical Development, Communication and language development and Personal, Social and emotional (PSE) development. For more information on this please see the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2

Curriculum

Our Preschool follows the statutory framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with a particular emphasis on the Prime areas of learning.

Our curriculum is flexible to meet the changing needs of each cohort of children, but largely obtains the same curriculum goals. We have used our own professional knowledge and experience on child development, alongside the views of our neighbouring Primary School and our parents to create a set of curriculum goals. By the end of Preschool, we would anticipate a child to be:

- To show kindness and respect for others, toys and resources (through turn taking, expressing their own feelings and take care for preschool or other's belongings).

-Managing separating from their main carer for preferably a full Preschool session.

-Independently change.

-Independently managing toileting and handwashing needs.

-Able to focus their attention for short group activities and follow instructions.

-Enjoying a range of story books.

-Developing an understanding of their feelings and strategies to manage them.

-To enjoy and take part in mark-making activities

-Confident in using numerals through play.

-Able to use utensils to prepare/serve fruit for snack.

Partnership working

As part our practice, we endeavour to work in partnership with our parents, outside agencies and professionals. This is essential to ensure every child and their family accesses the support required for their individual needs.

We advocate a two-way flow of information between parents and the Preschool. We promote this by holding settling-in sessions, having regular informal chats, offering 6-12 weekly 'catch-up' meetings, conducting the 2-year check and the Summary 2 (transition to Reception assessment) etc.

Other professionals we may liaise with include:

Health Visitors
Speech and Language Therapists
Primary School teachers
Other Early Years settings
Physiotherapists
Occupational Therapists
Specialist Teachers

With parental permission, we typically liaise with such professionals if there are concerns regarding a child's health, learning and/or development. Working together helps to identify gaps in children's development and create Individual Child Plans tailored to the child.

Home learning

This area provides children with the opportunity to explore a home environment and act out their experiences with other children. Children have access to many props and real-life, authentic resources to extend their learning and process their thinking.

You can find more information on the importance of role-play here.

This area equally advocates a calm and familiar space for children to relax and unwind independently and with staff. Children enjoy looking at their family pictures in our gallery displayed on the wall in our 'calming zone' at preschool. It additionally helps to promote self-regulation if they are feeling various emotions and encourages a child to talk about their home-life.

A cosy tent with cushions, puppets and books provides a safe, quiet space for children to relax.