The Government recently combined the existing foundation stage with the Birth to Three Matters Framework, Every Child Matters guidelines and National Daycare Standards to create the new Early Years Foundation Stage.

These guidelines cover all areas of child care AND development for children aged 0 -5 years.

In brief - there are four themes to the framework, they are: A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning & Development.

Learning and Development is then broken down into 6 areas of child development ( although no area happen exclusively and often overlap as a child learns in a holistic way).

The childcare programme at Child First sits well with this new framework as we have always practiced LEARNING THROUGH PLAY and have designed programmes that recognise and meet the needs and development pace of the individual child.

Just like adults, children learn and develop best when they are able to manage the pace and direction of their own progression.

For the youngest child, the right stimulus is needed for the brain to make vital connections and they then continue to build on their existing knowledge as they progress. It is very important that they also feel safe and confident to extend and explore by experimenting, repeating and by making mistakes.

The environment we create is rich in:

Opportunity – The time and space to develop independence and to access a variety of…

Experiences – Different activities to promote *social, mathematical, language and communication, creative, physical development and a growing knowledge and understanding of the world, with a range of appropriate and challenging……

Resources – man made and natural objects, creative materials, large and small construction, imaginative play, mark making, physical equipment, music, songs, books, science, technology, sand, water and outdoor play.

Planning and delivering a child care programme that effectively meets the Early Years Foundation Stage is a requirement to receive government funding for 3 and 4 years old.
For more information on Government funding and the Child First Philosophy, please contact us.