Clackclose Pre-school

The Pre-School follows the Early Years Foundation Stage which is set by the Department of Education and Skills. The four themes of the EYFS are A Unique Child, every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self assured. Positive Relationships, Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person. Enabling Environments, The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning. Learning and Development, Children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected.

The seven areas of Learning and Development, three Prime Areas and four Specific Areas.  The areas of learning are:-

  Personal, Social and Emotional Development

 Learning to make friends, enjoy being part of a group, sharing feelings and learning to do things for themselves.

  Physical Development

 Finding out about their body and how to use and control it

  Communication and Language

 Talking and listening to others, enjoying stories and books and learning ways of sharing thoughts and feelings with others. 

Specific Areas

  Literacy

 Learning to read and write

  Mathematics

  Learning to count, share and compare and to see shapes and patterns around them. 

  Understanding of the World

Learning to see themselves as part of a bigger world and finding out what they can do as part of that world. Using computers and the local environment to extend their learning

  Expressive Arts and Design

Exploring and using colour, different media and materials.  Exploring songs, sounds and movements.  Construct using various construction materials.

The children learn through planned and free play activities, which cover all of these areas of learning over the course of a week or term. If you require any further information regarding the Early Years Foundation Stage please talk to a member of staff as they have information packs and leaflets which may help.

The pre-school follow each child's interests and decide how we can extend their learning according to this. Each week the children will be encouraged to take part in a focus activity, which is tailored around their abilities and interests.  Staff may be working with individuals, small groups, making observations/assessments or carrying out planned activities.  The team meets every week to talk about the areas and plan activities for the following week. Each key person will also discuss the learning journeys and goals for each individual child.

Teaching and Learning

At Clackclose Pre-School we believe that children learn best when actively involved in their learning. We offer the children a range of activities both inside and out for the majority of the time. In each area we provide equipment for the range of abilities and interests present in the class. The children are encouraged to become independent learners, challenge themselves and make progress a their own level and pace. The staff interact with and teach the children according to individual and group needs - talking, questioning, playing, demonstrating and supporting, as well as focused teaching activities. Many of the activities will be started in response to one child's needs or request; an adult with plan and lead other activities. We work from the stage of development children are at rather than their age as much as possible.

Records of Achievement

Casual and formal observations of each child are made during the session and specific activities. Every child has a focus observation once a week along with any wow observations.  The team meets to discuss these regularly. Records and assessments on each child help with forward planning. Parents have access to these observations as soon as they are carried out via Tapestry. Each child will work towards 3 goals which are set by their keyworker and the manager.  These goals are chosen to encourage the child to develop and progress, according to their individual abilities. They are reviewed each term and a progress report will be posted on Tapestry to every parent. 

EYFS 24 - 36 Month Progress Check

From September 2012, the EYFS requires all Pre-Schools, nurseries, childminders and day care settings to complete a progress check on children between the ages of 24-36 months.  This check will normally be carried out in the first term of your child starting Pre-School provided they are between the ages of 24 months and 36 months.  The check will summarise the development and learning of the child over the 3 prime areas.  The check will help to identify any development needs your child may have.

The Progress Check will enable us to give you information on your child's progress in the setting, look at your child's needs and plan for them accordingly.  The check will take into account your views, the views of your child and the views of any other professionals involved.  A copy will be made available for you and your child's health visitor as well as being kept in your child's Pre-School file. 

Special Educational Needs

If your child has, or is found to have, additional medical, behavioural or educational needs, we will work closely with you as parents, the health authority and the Norfolk Special Education Team to address and meet those needs as best we can. If you have any concerns or worries about your child in this respect, please speak to the supervisor in confidence.