Our curriculum planning is based on the 'Early Learning Goals' as set out by the Department for Education. The children are working towards these 'goals' and are not expected to achieve all areas until the end of their Reception Year (end of their first year at Infant school).

There are six key areas of learning as follows:

• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication, language and literacy
• Mathematical development
• Knowledge and understanding of their world
• Physical development
• Creative development

We provide a varied and wide range of structured activities to help children achieve their full potential. We also have a theme for each week around which we build our curriculum.

Learning through play is a vital part of children's development. In order to progress through life it is important for them to be able to socialise with both adults and peers. By playing alongside other children and adults, they will learn social skills and develop their own interests. They will have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings, as well as learn to be independent and make decisions for themselves.

Your child will have the opportunity to try a number of activities that will enhance their skills and prepare them for full time education.

Painting Children will have the opportunity to experiment with various painting techniques such as sponging, printing, bubble painting, marbling and finger painting. They will be able to mix their paints to make new colours, use thick and fine brushes and paint on easels or at tables.

Playdough This may be an activity you try to avoid at home! However, the children will have plenty of opportunity to experiment, using and developing their manipulative skills. This can be a very relaxing activity and encourages communication between both adults and children. We encourage the children to roll, squeeze and shape the playdough into models.

Imaginative play The home corner is a popular activity where the children can recreate scenarios and dress up in their favourite clothes. We have a wide selection of furniture, play equipment and dressing up clothes.

Cutting and Gluing Using scissors is a difficult task. We will help your child to develop scissor control. They will also have many opportunities to use various methods of gluing. We encourage the children to make collages, models & join in with craft activities. This will help to develop their independence as well as their skills.

Drawing, colouring and writing Children will have the opportunity to use crayons, pencils, chalks and felt tip pens of varying thickness. We will encourage them to hold their pencil correctly. After they have developed the skill to control their pencil, they will be encouraged to follow lines, dots, shapes and letters. Children have the opportunity to draw and colour their own pictures.

Music and singing The children will be able to experiment with the musical instruments as well as the tape recorder. They will learn how different sounds are made and how they can be changed. We regularly have singing activities when children can sing songs they already know and enjoy learning new ones.

Outside play We are very fortunate to have wonderful outdoor facilities and can take advantage of these in good weather. We are able to use the field as well as the play park. We encourage the children to develop their motor skills by running, jumping, hopping, using hoops, throwing and catching balls, etc

Computer skills We have a computer for the children to use under adult supervision. We have games suitable for their age and level of development. We aim to develop their skills and give them confidence to use such equipment.

Sand and water play Children will have the opportunity to play with both wet and dry sand in a range of activities. They will be able to carry out experiments with water, discovering what will sink and what will float, what happens when we add bubbles or food colouring.

Puzzles We have a wide selection of puzzles. The children are able to progress at their own developmental level from peg puzzles to 70 piece scenes. We have giant floor puzzles, number and alphabet puzzles, seasons, emergency services and many more for the children to choose from.

Books Our book corner consists of an extensive range of books for the children to look at during the session. We have story books, picture books, nursery rhymes, song books, reference books and lift the flap books. The children are encouraged to look after and care for the books and comfortable seating is provided.

Construction toys We have a wide selection of construction toys which are used on a rotational basis. These encourage the children to build and design using their imagination.