Areas of Learning and Development
Here at Woodlands Playgroup we follow the EYFS framework. There are seven areas of learning which form part of the framework, emphasis is placed on the Prime Areas until the child reaches about the age of three, enabling secure foundations to be laid before the Specific Areas are introduced. The EYFS is the framework set out by Ofsted for children aged 0-5years.
Prime Areas
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This area of learning is about emotional well-being; knowing who you are and where you fit in, as well as feeling good about yourself. It is also about developing respect for others, social competence and having a positive disposition towards learning and confidence in dealing with difficult situations helps children to become resilient throughout their adult lives.
Communication and Language
This area includes communicating, speaking and listening in different situations and for different purposes. Children learn to listen attentively and to follow instructions and boundaries as well as gaining the confidence to express their needs and feelings.
Physical Development
This area includes developing skills such as co-ordination control, manipulation and movement. Physical development also helps children to gain confidence in what they can do and enables them to feel the positive benefits of being healthy and active. Effective physical development helps children to develop a positive sense of well-being.
Specific Areas
Understanding the World
Understanding the world helps children to learn about relationships and the lives and work of people within the community as well as different multi-cultural customs and festivals. It is important for children to understand differences and similarities between themselves and others. Learning all about nature, different materials, technology and working with tools helps children to understand the world around them.
Expressive Arts and Design
Being creative enables children to make connections between one area of learning and the other and so extends their understanding of their environment. This area of learning includes art, music, dance, role-play and imaginative play.
Mathematics
This area includes counting, sorting, matching, patterns, numbers, shape, space and measure. Mathematical understanding is encouraged and developed through stories, songs, games and imaginative play so that children enjoy experimenting with numbers and patterns.
Literacy
Children are given access to a wide range of reading material for example books, magazines and posters to ignite their interest in this area. Story time is a big part of playgroup routine as is one to one reading with individual or smaller groups of children. This interest will eventually encourage children to link sounds and letters and begin to read and write
