At Windmill Pre-school, all children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace. Our progress reporting system enables us to provide a flexible curriculum tailored to the needs and interests of each individual child.
By means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of adult input, we offer learning opportunities which meet the government’s requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage [EYFS] for children from birth to the end of their school reception year. We work towards the early learning goals developed by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which set expectations that most children will reach by the end of the EYFS.
The EYFS identifies six areas of learning and development. All are connected to one another and all are equally important:

Areas of The Curriculum

Communication, Language and Literacy
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy (PRSN)
Knowledge and Understanding of The World
Physical Development
Creative Development

Communication, Language and Literacy


In both small and large groups, children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking and listening and by hearing and responding to stories, songs, dance and rhymes. Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of the purpose of writing and, to use drawn and written symbols for themselves. A well-stocked book corner gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books, sharing and handling them and becoming aware of their uses as a source of information, stories and pleasure.
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development


Within a nurturing environment, children are individually supported in developing confidence, autonomy and self-esteem. They are encouraged to play and concentrate both independently and as part of the group, sharing and co-operating with each other and adults. Through activities, conversation and practical example, they learn acceptable ways to express their own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others. All children are given the opportunity, as appropriate, to take responsibility for themselves, their peers and pre-school resources, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
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Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy [PSRN]


By means of adult-supported practical experience, children become familiar with the sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities, which form the basis for PSRN. As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisted to learn and use the vocabulary of mathematics, identifying objects by shape, position, size, volume and number. Songs, games and picture books help children become aware of number sequences and, when they are ready, to use simple mathematical operations such as adding.
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Knowledge and Understanding of The World


A safe and stimulating environment allows children to explore and experience with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patterns and similarities, and to share and record their findings. Children are assisted in exploring and understanding their environment both within the group and also in the wider community. A range of safe and well-maintained equipment enables children to extend their technological understanding, using simple tools and techniques as appropriate to achieve their intentions and to solve problems. Multi-cultural resources and topics enable the children to gain an awareness of their own and others cultures and beliefs.
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Physical Development


A wide range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and out of doors, allows the children to gain confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own bodily skills. Effective adult interaction and encouragement enables children to create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skills and control in moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are supported in the development of fine motor skills required to use tools, including pens and pencils, and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision. Topics encompassing health and personal awareness support children’s understanding of how exercise, eating , sleeping and hygiene promote good health.
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Creative Development


Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own ideas and feelings. Craft equipment, including paint, glue, crayons and pencils as well as natural and recycled resources provide for open-ended exploration of colour, shape and texture and the development of skills in painting, drawing and collage. Children join in with and respond to music, dance and stories, and there are many opportunities for imaginative role-play, both individually and as part of the group.
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