Learning Programme

The setting follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework 2021, this framework guides Early Years settings including reception classes in primary schools. 

Early Years Foundation Stage framework includes learning, development and welfare standards; it also recognises the importance of the Early Years in achieving future success, academically, socially and emotionally.

The playgroup uses this document to guide the planning and delivery of play opportunities to ensure that all children reach their full potential.

In practice this means children develop vital skills whilst having fun painting, cooking, junk modelling, playing with construction toys, listening to stories, singing, interacting with adults and peers and a host of other activities. 

Children can play inside and outside whatever the weather and the setting is able to offer free flow play between the two, so children decide where, when and how long they want to play inside or out, we ask parents to ensure that children are dressed suitably for all weathers. 

Playgroup introduces children to festivals from around the world through stories, posters, dressing up, cooking and craft activities.

The playgroup also takes children on weekly walks in the local community enjoying the local parks and places of interest to broaden children knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live. We have also visited with elderly residents within the local community and continue to explore expanding this in the future.

The snack bar offers children another opportunity to be independent and make choices by selecting fruit, pouring their own drinks and cutting their own fruit.

The playgroup encourages children to make choices and be independent through everyday routines in the setting regardless of ability.

All children are given a key person when they first start at St Mary’s Playgroup, the key person, works with parents/carers to ensure each child reaches their full potential, attends to the children’s personal care routines, completes developmental assessments, records observations and developmental milestones using the Interactive Learning Diary secure platform, plans interesting, stimulating activities around children’s interests.