These statements are linked to the principles found in our Early Years Policy. We consider they are of equal value and therefore are not listed in any order of preference.

1. Early childhood is valid in itself as a vitally important stage of life; therefore, we aim to provide the essential foundations for all future learning.

 

2. Care and education for the under fives are complementary and interrelated. Learning is a total experience rooted in life and for the young child is not compartmentalized under subject headings. We aim to educate the child as a whole person. Experiences are planned to cover the six areas of learning i.e. personal and social, language and literacy, mathematics, physical, aesthetic/creative and knowledge and understanding of the world.

 

3. As a starting point we aim to build on what children know and can do.

 

4. We aim to provide a positive learning environment for children to achieve their optimum all round development.

 

5. We believe that the adults and children in a child’s life are of central importance. We aim to establish confident and trusting relationships and to provide positive role models.

 

6. We know play is the most powerful medium for learning in the early years and we aim to provide quality first hand experiences.

 

7. We believe that every child has a fundamental right to equality of opportunity and aim to provide this irrespective of religious persuasion, racial origin, cultural and linguistic background, gender, social group or disability.