The Foundation Stage Information for New Parents Tuesday 21st June 2016

Areas of learning… The Foundation Stage curriculum is split into seven areas of learning… 1.Personal, social and emotional development 2.Communication and language development 3.Physical development 4.Literacy 5.Mathematics 6.Understanding the world 7.Expressive arts and design

Personal, Social and Emotional Development Encourages children to be independent and to interact with other children and adults. Helps children to become confident, safe, secure and ready to learn from new experiences.

Communication and Language Encourages children to develop conversational skills. Will help children to develop listening and concentration skills.

Physical Development Improves skills of coordination, control, manipulation and movement. Introduces them to the positive benefits of being active and healthy. Develops practical skills such as dressing and undressing. Encourages children to develop pencil control and to begin to form recognisable letters on paper.

Literacy Enables children to begin to hear sounds in words and to link these sounds to letters. Will help children to learn to read individual words and eventually, simple stories independently. Encourages children to write for a wide range of purposes, such as labels and captions.

Mathematics Helps children to count up to ten and beyond. Supports children's understanding of numbers Encourages them to use mathematical words such as greater, smaller, heavier, lighter, more, less etc Develops skills in comparing and sorting objects. Supports children’s understanding of shape and size including 2D and 3D shapes.

Knowledge of the world Forms a foundation for later work in science, history, geography, design and technology, and ICT. Helps them to make sense of the world at their level.

Expressive arts and design Encourages an enjoyment of music. Provides opportunities for imaginative play. Helps engender confidence in painting, drawing and other areas of art. Inspires children to explore colour, design and textures.

What can you do to help your child’s learning when they begin school? Play games together Encourage your child to use the toilet independently and wash their hands, put on and fasten their coats and shoes, change their clothes Share books and talking about the pictures Read/share books at least 3 times a week, make comments in their reading diary Encourage mark making, shopping lists etc. Encourage children to talk and listen carefully. Practise counting at any time-climbing the stairs, shopping etc Sing number rhymes and songs together Support any learning that comes home, phonics and number work

The First Few Days... There can be a lot to remember in the first few days, but please do not worry as your child will quickly be teaching you the routines! Bring a named water bottle everyday All clothing named! Raincoat and wellies in school everyday Book bag everyday PE bag and bag with change of clothes - left in school Lunch boxes or free hot school dinner Free fruit in the morning and milk

The first few weeks We will find out what the children already know and can do and use this information to help us develop an individual learning programme for each child. We would value any contributions you would like to make in helping us get to know your child’s needs. You will be invited to discuss your child’s progress and adjustment to school within the first term at parents evening.

Other matters Please let us know if someone different is collecting your child! We have an ‘open door’ policy and are always here to help. If you have an questions or concerns please speak to a member of the Infant team.