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Curriculum

Fun & Creativity

Mini Explorers baby bunny rabbit.
Little Explorers little squirrel.

PLAY BASED
LEARNING

Little Crickets Pre-School offers children exciting and challenging play opportunities, where the children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn will be stimulated and expanded.

Play underpins all development and learning for young children.

 

It is through spontaneous play that they develop intellectually, creatively, physically, socially and emotionally.

 

Through close observation, staff at the Pre-School encourage children’s growth and nurture individuality at every stage. We do this through planning and resourcing a challenging environment, which encourages those play activities and learning experiences to develop further, whilst being inspired by children’s own interests.

 

These activities are both indoors and outdoors and include a balance of child-initiated and adult led play activities.

Art

At Little Crickets Pre-School, we believe that art is an essential part of early childhood development. Our art program is designed to foster creativity and self-expression in young children. Using a variety of materials and techniques, our qualified staff help children explore their imaginations and develop their fine motor skills.

Music

Music is an important part of our curriculum. Our music program helps children develop a love of music and rhythm, as well as improving their language skills and coordination. Our program includes singing, dancing, and playing a variety of musical instruments.

Movement

At Little Crickets Pre-School, we believe that movement is key to a child's physical and emotional development. Our movement program includes a range of activities, such as yoga, dance and games, that help children develop their coordination, balance, and gross motor skills.

Language

Our language program is designed to help children develop strong language skills from an early age. We use a variety of methods, including storytelling, role-playing and games, to help children learn new words and improve their communication skills.

Mathematics

Our mathematics program is designed to help children develop a strong foundation in numeracy. Using a variety of fun and engaging activities, our qualified staff help children explore mathematical concepts such as looking for patterns, exploring shapes and identify different weights, sizes and lengths.

Outside Play

At Little Crickets Pre-School, we believe that outdoor play is essential for a child's physical and emotional well-being. Our outside play program includes a range of activities, such as nature walks, gardening and games, that help children develop a love of nature and the outdoors.

Your Childs 'Key Person' and 'Learning Journey'

When your child joins the group they will be assigned a Key Person, who will work closely with your child to ensure that their individual needs are met. Your child’s progress is recorded in their learning journey and this is also used to plan activities that meet their needs and interests. You can look at your child’s learning journey at any time and your child’s key person is happy to discuss your child’s progress at a time convenient to you.

Picture of Little Cricket pre-schooler's exploring RHS Harlow Carr.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Little Crickets Pre-School follows the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and its principles.

This means that we appreciate the importance of the following themes:

  • A Unique Child – every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

  • Positive Relationships – Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.

  • Enabling Environments – Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners, parents and carers.

  • Learning and Development – Children develop and learn in different ways. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities.

It also means that we consciously provide opportunities for children to develop in:

  • Personal, social and emotional development

  • Physical development

  • Communication and language

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Understanding the world

  • Expressive arts and design

Special Educational Needs

Children with special educational needs are welcome to attend Little Crickets Pre-School. We have a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO), who is available to work with the child’s parents/carers and other outside agencies to meet that child’s specific needs.

If a special educational need is recognised in a child, the child’s key person and/or our SENCO will discuss our concerns with the child’s parents/carer. If parents agree, it is sometimes necessary to place the child on the Special Needs Register as detailed in the Special Education Needs Code of Practice. This will ensure that the child is receiving the best possible care and education from the pre-school, as well as receiving support and advice from outside agencies.

Drawing of a Pink Blossom Tree.
Drawing of a Forest scene.
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