Early Years Foundation Stage

At Papillon Montessori, we follow the strict regulations that are set down by the government and Ofsted. Our keyworker system combined with the areas of learning and development enables us to give each child a planned curriculum tailored to their individual needs. By means of age/developmentally appropriate play, exercise, structured Montessori and a measured level of both adult and child input, we offer a curriculum used in primary schools.

The areas of learning are split into prime and specific areas.

Early Years Foundation

Prime Areas

Personal, social and emotional development

At Papillon, we strive to provide a nurturing environment, where children are individually supported in developing confidence, autonomy and self respect. They are encouraged to take part in the life of their group, sharing and co-operating and forming friendships with other children 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, the group, its members and its property.

Communication and language

In small groups children are encouraged to listen to each other and join in conversations. Vocabulary and understanding are improved by listening and responding to stories, songs and rhymes. Phonetic sounds are taught using environmental sounds, instrumental sounds, body percussion, rhythm and rhyme, alliteration, voice sounds, oral blending and segmenting techniques.

Physical Development

A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and outdoors allows children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their bodily skills. Adult supervision enables children to create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are helped to develop the fine motor skills they need to use tools, including pens and pencils and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision. They are also encouraged to develop an awareness of their own bodies and of what keeps them healthy.

Specific Areas

Literacy

Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of the purposes of writing and when ready, to use the drawn and written symbols for themselves. A well stocked book corner gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books, able to handle them and to be aware of their uses, both for reference and as a source of stories and pictures.

Mathematics

By means of adult supported practical experience, children become familiar with the sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities, which form the basis for early mathematics. As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisted in learning to 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.

Understanding of the World

A safe and stimulating environment allows children to observe and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to recognise 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. They learn to respect other people and expect to be respected themselves. 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. Children have regular opportunities to use the computers and age appropriate computer games to learn ICT.

Expressive arts and design

Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own ideas and feelings and to construct their individual response to experience in two and three dimensions. Art equipment, including paint, glue, crayons and pencils as well as natural and discarded 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 opportunities for imaginative role play, both individually and as part of a group. Children are encouraged to sing a large range of nursery rhymes. They are also given encouraged to create their own rhymes and songs.