Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
As Early Year providers we following the Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Key person system and Tapestry
Every child will be allocated a key person who will help them to settle in and to get the most out of their time at pre-school. The key worker will will introduce themselves to parents. Tapestry is an electronic learning diary, a link will be emailed which needs to be accepted. Tapestry observations are uploaded for parents to view and comment on. Parents can also upload events that have happened outside of preschool which will be shared with the keyworker.
Open Morning’s
There are 3 open mornings a year check website and facebook for dates. Parents can bring children to look around, meet staff, find out about funding.
Safeguarding children
All staff and committee/ volunteers have Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, there are 2 Dedicated Safeguarding leads, all staff have regular safeguard training as part of CPD. We work together with children, parents, the community and other professionals to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children at pre-school.
Learning through play
Preschool focuses on learning through play, exploration and boundaries/ routines.
The EYFS has 7 areas of learning.
- communication and language
- personal, social and emotional development
- physical development
- literacy
- mathematics
- understanding the world
- expressive arts and design
Activities are child-led and adult-led to support holistic development.
A child’s interests will be used to extend learning and development. Children will be encouraged to join in with lots of activities in small and large groups. Children are encouraged to become curious and explore the environment using different resources, asking questions as play develops.
Children are able to play inside or outside, in all weather conditions.
Outdoor environment – children are encouraged to explore the garden, caravan, dome and mud kitchen. Children can also join in forest and woodwork activities. Other professionals come in and support physical activities.
Transition to school
Transition is a process and not an event. Transitions happen within the setting throughout the day. Activities are planned to be flexible so that children can be independent and confident to achieve or ask for support if they need it. Children are encouraged to develop their self-care skills so that when they start school they can already support themselves in an environment with less staff. We will offer suggestions to support children at home preparing them for school.
Snack and lunch
During pre-school sessions, children are able to self select snack when they are hungry. There is fresh fruit or vegetables as well as a carbohydrate for the children to have. Dietary requirements will be taken into consideration when planning snack. Preschool is a nut and squash free setting.
Lunch – Children bring a packed lunch which is healthy and nutritious. This is a great social activity where children are encouraged to engage with peers and adults, building confidence to ask for help, supporting their fine motor skills by opening packets and tubs
Encouraging independence
We help your child to explore new activities and gain new skills, helping them to become more confident and independent. We help them learn to get along with others through sharing, turn taking, listening and playing together.
We also encourage your child to learn to look after themselves, by putting on their own coat and shoes, going to the toilet and washing their hands. Your child does not have to be toilet trained when they start at pre-school, we will work with you to support you and your child in toilet training. All staff are ERIC trained. If your child is in nappies, provide spare nappies, wipes, nappy bags and a change of clothes in a named bag.
Welcome visits
Before your child starts pre-school, we invite you to bring them along for a welcome visit so that they can meet the staff and familiarise themselves with pre-school.
What to bring
Things to pack for pre-school
• Drink bottle
• Lunch (if staying to lunch club. No nuts)
• Wellies
• Coat, hat, sunhat (depending on weather)
• Sun lotion (if sunny)
• Change of clothes
• Nappies, wipes and bags (if needed)
All named.
Registered office:
First Step Pre-School,
Knapp Rd,
Thornbury, BS35 2HQ
Call us: 01454 867283 (9 am - 3.15 pm)
Pre-school mobile (for use in pre-school hours): 07718 798826
Email us: crossways@firststeppreschool.co.uk
First Step Pre-School Ltd is registered in England
Registered Number 5885935
Registered Charity Number 1142554