At STMP we place a huge importance on creating an engaging, multi-sensory learning environment that fosters a love of learning, allows children to build their confidence and resilience, encourages exploration and reflects the children’s interests and learning needs.
Learning
Our approach to learning in the Early Years is designed to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and self-regulation, enabling a ‘can do’ attitude towards new experiences and challenges. We place emphasis on developing personal and social skills, praising positive behaviour and encouraging a thoughtful and considerate attitude towards others. We appreciate that all children are unique, and that children learn best when encouraged to follow their individual interests and make their own choices. We therefore aim to provide an environment full of opportunities in terms of materials, time and space for children to become absorbed in their play.
Learning Environment
Our learning environment, teaching and interactions are carefully planned to support the children’s development across all seven areas of learning. Learning takes place through a balance of structured activities, challenges and independent exploration. Adults are there to guide, support and extend children’s play and use their interests and ideas as a starting point for future learning opportunities.
Children in our EYFS will have access to a range of continuous provision both indoors and outdoors every day. These include the following areas:
- Role Play
- Small World
- Construction
- Reading
- Water and Sand
- Sensory Play
- Creative
- Maths
- Mark making and writing
- Music
Observations and Interactions
During independent exploration time Early Years staff use the ShREC (Shared Attention, Respond, Expand, Conversation) approach to promote high quality interactions. Child led, adult guided interactions and provision support staff to identify the children’s learning strengths and areas for development. During independent exploration time, staff also take photos of the children’s learning to later record as observations and share with parents via the Tapestry platform. These observations also inform our future planning, ensuring that our provision meets the needs of the children, furthers their development and builds on their interests.
At STMP we believe that developing a love of learning is paramount and a guarantor of future success. We seek to prepare the children for the next stage in their lives, providing them with the necessary skills, abilities and confidence to flourish and reach their full potential.
Curriculum and Progression Maps
Further information about our curriculum and provision can be found within our Curriculum and Progression Maps at the bottom of the page. Our website, and each EYFS classes page also celebrates our rich curriculum and showcases the wonderful learning that takes place at STMP.
