ISS

EARLY CHILDHOOD SECTION AIMS

Children in Early Childhood (3-7 years) have particular and unique requirements. These needs, and the characteristics of this age group, determine the provision of the Early Years curriculum.

Play is essential to a child's intellectual, physical, social, aesthetic and emotional development and therefore is valued as being a child's work.

Children bring a variety of experiences and competencies to the school setting. We build on their existing achievements by maintaining high expectations. We recognise that the parents are the first educators and they are encouraged to continue to be involved in a variety of ways.

Children are active participants in their education.

The aims of the Early Childhood section are:

• To develop the school's policy and practice at an appropriate level for the understanding of children in the Early Childhood Section.
• To plan, resource and implement a clearly focussed, developmentally appropriate Early Childhood curriculum which takes account of early skills and concepts identified in the UK National Curriculum.
• To provide a well planned, child-centred learning environment where the child feels safe and secure.
• To ensure that children are given opportunities to develop their learning through play-based activities.
• To facilitate learning through appropriate quality adult interaction, observations and individual assessment.
• To liaise closely with parents/carers, to welcome them in school and to encourage a strong partnership between home and school.
• To encourage children to develop independence.
• To encourage children to explore and experiment, be creative, make choices and decisions, and to experience success and pleasure in learning.
• To develop language and numeracy competence.
• To develop positive self images in children.
• To develop an awareness and respect for the culture and lifestyles of others.
• To develop a sense of belonging and community.
• To develop the ability to relate positively to an increasing number of adults and peers.
• To develop a child's ability to resource activities and use equipment and supplies in a responsible manner.

Our primary goal is to meet the educational needs of all children, taking into account their social and cultural backgrounds and different rates of development.