Care, Learning and Play

Effective practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is based around 4 principles and underpins the quality of care, learning and development provided at Good as Gold Childcare Centre.  The EYFS advocates an individualised learning experience for every child which allows them to achieve to their full potential.  For this reason staff observe the children at play on a regular basis and plan activites around the children's interests.

At Good as Gold we firmly support the philosophy of learning through play.  The toys, activities and play opportunities we provide are carefully planned in order to allow babies and children to build upon their natural curiosity as learners, develop their language and mathematical thinking, use their imagination and develop social relationships.

 

As providers of Early Years Education, we fully support and adhere to the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) which is based around 4 complementary themes:-

  • A Unique Child
  • Positive Relationships
  • Enabling Environments
  • Learning and Development

The Learning and Development aspect of the EYFS is split into seven areas and these shape the educational programmes followed within the setting.  There are 3 prime areas which are particulalry crucial for developing children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.  These are:

  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development

These are strengthened and applied through 4 specific areas which are:-

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

By providing the appropriate resources, play opportunities and teaching for these areas of learning, we aim to provide your child with the best possible start to their early years education, and equip them with the necessary educational and social skills essential for their smooth transition to school.

 

Activities and experiences for all our children are planned with reference to the EYFS with play underpinning all learning and development.  In this way we aim to help your child to become confident and self-assured with an ability to make their own choices and learn at their own pace.  Whilst our younger children often learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults, our older children participate in more adult led activities to help them prepare for starting at school.

All children are allocated a key person who ensures that their educational programme is individual and meets their needs appropriately.  The key person also supports parents in guiding their children's development at home.

Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is seen as the gold standard for those working with children under the age of five.  (CWDC)  Research has shown that the development of young children is directly linked to the qualifications held by staff within the  nursery, and therefore having a highly skilled workforce is vital.  For this reason, all the staff working at Good as Gold have relevent qualifications in childcare, and the Officer-in-Charge has attained Early Years Teacher Status.