Introduction Meeting for Parents Howitt Nursery Introduction Meeting for Parents

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? The Early Years Foundation Stage (E.Y.F.S.) is the stage of education for children from birth to the end of the Reception year. It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning.

The E.Y.F.S. has 4 guiding principles; 1. every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured; 2. children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships; 3. 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 and parents and/or carers; 4. children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

Within the theme of Learning and Development there are seven areas. All areas are connected to one another and are equally important. Personal, Social and Emotional Development Communication and Language Literacy Mathematics Understanding the World Physical Development Expressive Arts and Design

Personal, Social and Emotional Development The children will be learning to: become self-confident; take an interest in things; know what their own needs are; dress and undress independently; become independent; tell the difference between right and wrong.

Communication and Language The children will be learning to: enjoy listening to stories, songs and poems; talk clearly to others, with developing confidence Listen and maintain attention Understand and respond to simple instructions

ECAT in Nursery This year in nursery there will be focus on communication and language including our ECAT programme (Every Child A Talker). Video clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k_gbicdYLg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0smBQmb5yo&safe=active We hope to promote communication and language skills by sending home activities, inviting parents to a communication and language stay and play sessions, plus promoting all of the above on a daily basis in the nursery.

Physical Development The children will be learning to: move confidently; control their body; handle equipment. Look after themselves independently e.g. going to the toilet, washing hands, eating snack etc.

Literacy Writing Drawing pictures and making marks – giving meaning to their marks. Learning letters and sounds through songs, actions and games (Phonics) Holding a pencil correctly to form recognisable pictures and letters Reading Listen to and join in with songs, stories and poems. Hold and handle books with care. Have an enjoyment of looking at books and having stories read. To listen for and recognise letter sounds. (phonics) To be able to talk about book characters, settings and events.

Mathematics The children will be learning to: develop an understanding of maths through stories, songs, games and imaginative play become comfortable and confident with numbers and counting Understand ideas such as 'heavier/lighter than' or 'bigger/small’ be aware of shapes and space.

Understanding the World The children will: explore and find out about the world around them, asking questions about it; build with different materials, know about everyday technology and learn what it is used for; find out about past events in their lives and their families' lives; find out about different cultures and beliefs.

Expressive Arts and Design The children will explore: colours and shapes; making things; role play; making music.

The Nursery Session During the Nursery sessions the children will access the 7 areas of learning through structured play both indoors and outdoors. The children also take part in short focused sessions as a whole class and in smaller groups. The children will then end their day as a whole class for story time and singing.

Attending Nursery at Howitt Primary Community School Morning Nursery: 8.30 – 11.30am Afternoon Nursery: 12.30 – 3.30pm From September 2017 if both parents or a single parent are working more than 16 hours you will be entitled to 30 hours of free childcare. All day sessions are 8.30 am – 3.30 pm – parents to provide a packed lunch. Breakfast club is also available from 7.30 – 8.30 am, please ask for details/

General information Start date: Monday 8th January Prior to this we would like to invite you and your child to Nursery taster sessions Tuesday 5th December – 9.30-10.30 Tuesday 12th December – 9.30-10.30

Nursery uniform is not compulsory but is recommended Nursery uniform is not compulsory but is recommended. It helps the children ‘fit in’ to the wider school community and saves your child’s own clothes from Nursery wear and tear! blue polo shirt grey skirt or trousers navy cardigan or school sweatshirt (available from the school office) Please remember to label all items of clothing!