Aims and Objectives
Working within a framework, which ensures equality of opportunity, our aim is to provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment that will encourage the development and education of each child, to work towards the “early learning goals” recommended by Ofsted, and so ensure a smooth and happy transition into “school life”.
We aim to achieve this by:
Planning and providing a variety of suitable, stimulating activities and equipment for children to choose, some with adult assistance/guidance or others to use independently.
Promoting self-confidence and social interaction with peers and adults by using praise, positive role models, opportunity to talk and listen, and encouraging behaviour and language that demonstrate an awareness of the needs of others.
Encouraging children to express themselves in a variety of ways including art/craft, music, movement and singing, role-play and small world play.
Encouraging and promoting the development of their own ideas and enabling and supporting the child to work independently to achieve them.
Making resources and equipment available for self-selection by the children.
Providing materials, equipment and opportunity throughout the setting to promote all areas of learning – e.g. relevant books alongside small world activities, reading/writing materials in the home corner, key word cards in the sand/water or play dough, mark making materials outside.
Continually observing, recording and evaluating children, equipment, planning, activities and staff.
Maintaining positive links with local schools.
The “early learning goals” are encompassed in the following: -
- Personal and Social and Emotional Development
- Communication, Language and Literacy
- Mathematics
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- Physical Development
- Creative Development
The playgroup was last inspected by Ofsted in November 2006 and received a very good report. “A range of activities is provided, these are stimulating and well balanced for all ages……the children are making sound progress in all areas of learning…..they are happy to attend the setting and enter the playroom confidently”
To read the full report, ask to see a copy at Playgroup or visit www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/
