The Curriculum - Learning Through Play

At Bossingham Pre-school we believe that children learn and develop skills best when they are relaxed and happy. Each child is unique and will have his/her own strengths, interests and needs. The staff nurture each individual child at their own pace and recognise when to support and when to set challenges to further their development.  Our doors are open to all children regardless of any additional needs. We aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment, free from prejudice and discrimination. Our staff ensure that all our children's needs are met through providing appropriate activities, toys and materials and supporting children whenever necessary. 

The children spend a great deal of their time playing and it is through this play and other activities that the staff find opportunities to develop individual knowledge, skills and understanding.

Play is an integral part of the curriculum and has a purpose. Every game and aspect of play is an important and valuable learning experience.

Many of the games and activities planned involve developing early writing skills, sharing books and developing early mathematical and scientific concepts.

The EYFS is divided into six areas for learning and development.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

Examples of activities: Role play, games involving turn-taking, encouraging sharing and friendships, developing confidence through speaking in front of staff and children, displaying children’s work to promote self esteem.

Communication, Language and Literacy (CLL)

Examples of activities: Hearing and responding to stories, songs and poems, sharing books, using stencils, mark making – using pens, pencil, chalks etc to draw and write symbols and patterns, following instructions and sequencing events.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy (PRN)

Examples of activities: Activities and songs involving counting (e.g. hopscotch, skittles), playing with shapes, number sorting games, exploring volume and measuring through cooking and sand and water play.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World (KUW)

Examples of activities: Projects involving our local community, developing awareness of cultural diversity, using microscopes to look at insects, discussions about how things work. Looking at shadows, using construction materials.

Physical Development (PD)

Examples of activities: Climbing, throwing and catching balls and bean bags, hoopla, parachute games, music and movement, ‘Write Dance’ programme, encouraging awareness of safety and ways to stay healthy, developing fine motor skills through cutting and sticking.

Creative Development (CD)

Examples of activities: Painting, play dough, junk modelling, puppet theatre, role play, collage, exploring a range of materials, singing action rhymes (e.g. Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes), playing musical instruments, imaginative play using ‘small world’ toys.