The Early Years Foundation Stage

Early Years Foundation Play

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS. The set of common principles and commitments to deliver quality early education and childcare experiences to all children are:

Three prime areas:

Four specific areas:

Children cover prime areas first before moving onto specific areas as they grow and develop.

As well as being the core document for all professionals working in the foundation years, the EYFS framework gives Mums and Dads confidence that regardless of where they choose for their child’s early education, they can be assured that the same statutory commitments and principles will underpin their child’s learning and development experience.

For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage

Learning Through Play

With over 25 years of child care experience in our team, Puddleducks’ goal is to provide children with an environment where they can learn and develop through fun and active play. Numerous studies have shown that children’s development excel when they are most happy, in a mood to explore and be inquisitive. Our staff are specially trained to ensure children have the best opportunities for this through qualifications and regular refresher training.

We place emphasis on consistently providing the children and staff with different toys and activities to keep them excited and challenged. A key staff member forms a special bond with your child, helping to monitor their progress, this relationship and trust provides the child with more confidence to be active both physically and emotionally. Enhancing their creativity through imaginative play enriches their learning experience.

Each nursery has number of different play zones including the following:

Soft toy area
Reading corner
Wet play area
Sand play area
Building & constructions
Outdoor play
Painting & drawing
Cars & Trucks

Healthy Eating

Now more than ever, the emphasis of a healthy and balanced diet is crucial. From an early age it is important that children receive a wide range of food and at Puddleducks we aim to provide children with a selection of fresh meals and snacks throughout the day.

All our nurseries have full on-site kitchens where fully trained staff will prepare the food using the best quality ingredients including plenty of fruit and vegetables. If we are lucky, some of the children’s home-grown tomatoes or carrots will be on the menu! We believe meal times are important times to learn and be social, often eating all together and supporting the children to eat independently. Often, we will have cooking activities to include the children like finger sandwich and pizza making.

Our menus reflect the culture and diversity represented in our nurseries and would be glad to cater to any dietary requirements your child may have. Please contact the nursery manager if you have any specific requirements.

Technology

All Puddleducks sites have tablets and laptops for staff to update children’s learning plans on a platform called Tapestry.

Tapestry is an online learning journey which provides the nursery the ability to provide parents real time updates of their children’s progress and activities. With pictures and notes, parents can stay involved throughout the day using mobile applications (AppStore, Google Play & AmazonApp Store).

For more information visit their website or download the app using the following buttons: