We work towards the "Early Learning Goals" as set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (www.foundationyears.org.uk).

Our programme is planned to support each child in their learning journey towards and beyond these goals.

Our curriculum enables the child to learn and develop skills, attitudes and understanding in these areas of learning:

— The prime areas:

     – Personal, Emotional and Social Development,

     – Communication and Language,

     – Physical Development.

— and these specific areas:

     – Mathematics,

     – Literacy,

     – Understanding the World,

     – Expressive Art and Design.

The morning includes creative activities, play with various construction sets, outdoor play, enjoying stories, role play, puzzles and games, playdough, talking about and listening to the children's news and ideas, singing, playing on bikes, bouncing on the trampoline, and climbing on the wooden play frame.

The programme includes listening games, science sessions, music and movement, percussion, sand and water play.

Through play, children will be developing skills across all the Prime and Specific areas of learning, working towards achieving the Early Learning Goals.

In our secure environment, with effective adult support, children will be able to:

  – explore, develop and represent learning experiences that help them make sense of the world,

  – practise and build up concepts, ideas and skills,

  – learn how to control impulses and understand the need for rules,

  – be alone, be alongside others or co-operate as they talk to rehearse their feelings,  

  – take risks and make mistakes,

  – think creatively and imaginatively,

  – communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems,

  – express fears to relieve anxious experiences in controlled and safe situations.

 Occasional visitors to the group talk to the children about a particular subject (e.g. a country, road safety, fire safety, a musical instrument).

The "Cats" have 'project time' for a short period each morning, which involves developing pencil control;  writing; recognising shapes and patterns; counting; recognising and writing numerals; linking sounds and letters; and learning about themselves. The purpose of 'project time' is to prepare the children for the type of adult-led experience they will encounter at school.