Communication, language and literacy
In the Pre-school we develop all aspects of language so that children can become good readers and writers. Speaking, listening, reading and writing are all closely inter-related. We aim to make the pre-school interesting and exciting for the children so as to encourage them to talk about what they see and do. Reading and writing materials are placed in many areas to encourage children to use them. There are many opportunities for the children to listen to stories, audiotapes and to one another. We have a quiet area, which is always available for looking at books or listening
to stories.

Knowledge and understanding
of the world
Children have a natural interest in finding out how things work and creating their own models.  At Mama Bear’s they can explore sand and water, use construction toys such as Duplo and Stickle Bricks. They enjoy cooking, tasting and smelling food. We talk about families, the environment, taking them on supervised local walks to collect items of interest, so that they begin to gain an understanding of weather, seasons and nature. The children also have supervised access to computers.

Creative development
In art, craft, model-making, music & movement and drama children use creative activities as a way of recording what they have seen, done, imagined or felt.  Every day a selection of these activities is available for the children to participate in, including music. We also have more structured activities in which staff guide, encourage and help. We believe that taking part and doing is more important than what is made.

Pre-school (three to five years)
Children moving from Toddlers to Pre-school have the advantage of remaining in familiar surroundings with staff that will already be well known to them. All pre-school activities are carefully planned around the ‘Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum’, intended to prepare children for when they move on to reception class at their local school. The Early Learning Goals for the education of 3 to 5 year olds are delivered as the following six Key Areas of Learning: 

Personal, social and
emotional development
The Pre-school provides the opportunity for children to learn how to relate to adults and other children. They learn to co-operate, share, have responsibility and consideration for other people, their cultures, beliefs and for property.  We foster independence, but ensure that the child also knows when to ask for help. Children from an early age are curious about people, places, animals, plants and everything about them. We teach them to respect and care for one another as well as the environment.

Mathematical development
Mathematics in the Pre-school is based on practical activities and experiences that are part of our everyday routines. For example: tidying up - sorting toys, matching shapes; painting - covering an area; models - understanding shape; role-play - size the right clothes to fit a doll, numbers - bowls, spoons and chairs for the Three Bears; construction - building with shapes and fitting them together; baking - weighing ingredients on scales; singing - learning numbers using rhymes.

Physical development
Regular activity is needed to promote healthy growth of young children. Through practice they develop muscular control, co-ordination, awareness of others and the space they move in. Children also have to think and use their judgement to solve problems when taking part in physical activities. It helps to build self-confidence and develop their imagination. They learn to use small and large equipment safely and with increasing control in a supervised environment.