The Active 2's
The educational programs at Sunny Days Pre school were created with our children’s needs in mind: to mature and develop in a safe yet stimulating environment. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors, outside and out in the community. Our staff are highly skilled in planning for children’s individual needs and interests. This way of planning supports children to make the best possible progress from their starting points and prepares them for their future learning in school. Children are able to develop in an environment which is welcoming and not overwhelming, after all this is each child's first experience in their newest chapter of life. Our Active 2's room is a mini version of our Explorer 3's room providing the stepping stones for future learning. Children in the Active 2's are also provided with the opportunities to learn from older children, all of our children access the outdoor environment together and enjoy the joint lunch club as well as special visits to the Explorer 3's as they grow.
There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected. Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.
Our Focus in the Active 2’s room is on the 3 prime area’s of development. These three areas are:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
Children thrive through positive relationships& positive interactions. Children are happier, more confident and independent when they know they are truly cared for. Each child has a dedicated key person developing a special bond. We provide a fun & safe environment for each child to play & learn in whilst supporting them to make friends.
Communication and Language
We provide rich and exciting activities to develop each child’s communication skills. Children enjoy daily stories & rhymes and have a large selection of books, puppets and music readily available to encourage children to develop their language. Our strong emphasis on positive relationships with staff & other children provides a solid foundation for them to develop their abilities. We give our children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.
Physical Development
Sunny Days provides opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food. Children like to move and be active, we encourage healthy lifestyles. Our environments both indoors and out are spacious and exciting. Children have access to the outdoors on a daily basis. Children are taught express themselves through movement and discover the natural world and the wonders it holds.
These areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities. Your key person will make sure that the activities are tailored to your child’s individual needs. The curriculum is designed to be flexible so that our staff can follow your child's unique needs and interests. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking both indoors, outdoors and in the wider community.
During your time in the Active 2’s room parents and carers will take part in the ‘Two year progress check’. This is a written summary of each child’s development in the three prime learning and development areas of the EYFS. Together strengths, achievements and any possible concerns are identified enabling any additional support to be put in place at an Early stage so your child has the best possible outcomes.
As your child grows, learns and develops we support the four specific areas of the EYFS, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design.
Preparing for the Move to the Explorer 3's
Children are introduced to their new room and key person ready for the move the term after their 3rd birthday. This is done gradually after the child's 3rd birthday with taster sessions ensuring that they feel safe and secure with their next stage of play!