4. Knowledge and
understanding of the world
Knowledge of the world around us is also a very important part of daily life at Mama Bear’s as we encourage children to explore all aspects of the world around them and other cultures. This area of learning covers Science, History, Religions, Geography and Information Technology. Through careful planning for stimulating activities we can develop the crucial skills that will help children to make sense of their world.

5. Creative development
Creative development enhances your child’s ability to make connections between one area of learning and another, thus extending their learning and understanding. Through varied activities including Art, Music, Drama and (very importantly) Play, your child will be able to interpret their learning and demonstrate it in whichever form suits them best. Some children enjoy producing an end-product such as painting but as there are different ways to be creative your child will have many opportunities to find their favourite method for facilitating their learning. It is our role to provide those opportunities.

6. Physical development
Physical development is important in the Foundation Stage as it offers children occasions to improve their fine and gross motor skills. We look closely at providing different stimulating and interesting ways for the children to enhance their co-ordination, balance, spatial awareness, movement and self-confidence. They learn to use small and large equipment safely and to become controlled in their movements. As with all the other areas your child’s imagination will have many opportunities to develop.

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is committed
to providing the best possible start to your child’s education.

Our curriculum is planned and implemented in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage under the supervision of a Qualified Early Years Teacher. Each child will have individual learning plans based on their own interests and abilities. Observations are routinely made to assess and record each child’s progress. We discuss a child’s progress with their parents / carers as often and at times as is appropriate but we set aside time to do so specifically twice a year during Parents’ Evenings. By the end of the EYFS some children will have exceeded the Early Learning Goals, whilst some may still be developing certain skills but our objective is that all children have the same opportunities to achieve and go on to school as confident learners.

OUR ACTIVITIES ARE STRUCTURED AROUND 6 KEY AREAS OF LEARNING

1. Personal, social and
emotional development
Here we promote basic hygiene, interaction with peers and social skills, including respect for oneself and others. We encourage independence whilst empowering children to voice their feelings or concerns. This is a crucial area of development for young children in all aspects of their lives and gives them the best opportunity for success in all other areas of learning.

2. Communication,
language and literacy
Communication is at the heart of developing young children’s learning. The skills that children will acquire will be the groundwork upon which they will progress to become competent in reading, writing, speaking and listening. In conjunction with personal, social and emotional development, this area helps children to become confident learners, able to listen and to speak out when necessary, which will be a benefit to their school life.

3. Problem solving,
reasoning and numeracy
This is an area which will enable children to become competent and confident in everyday problem solving. They will also gain valuable experience and ability in key skills such as sorting, ordering, matching, patterns, numbers, calculating, shapes and space through enjoyable activities and real life experiences.