Our Curriculum

Children come to Homerton with a very wide range of skills and experiences. As we observe and record what children are doing we are able to assess levels of development. We use this information to plan how to extend and develop each child’s interests, skills and experiences, and where to give support if necessary. This helps to inform our Learning Intentions each week.

Our Learning Intentions cover the areas of:

· Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) – supporting and developing children’s overall well-being, attitudes to learning, social skills, attention skills, and self esteem.

· Communication, Language and Literacy (C,L&L) – providing opportunities to encourage speaking and listening, development of early reading and writing skills, and enjoyment of books.

· Knowledge and Understanding of the World (KUW) – providing opportunities for scientific and technological exploration and investigation, and finding out about their environment and about people and places significant to them. Also developing an understanding of technology.

· Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy (PSRN) – providing opportunities to develop understanding of number, measurement, pattern, shape and space while promoting use of language to develop ideas and solve mathematical problems.

· Creative Development (CD) – encouraging exploration of ideas and feelings through art, design technology, music, dance, role play and imaginative activities.

· Physical Development (PD) – providing opportunities to develop and practise physical skills, and increase understanding of how our bodies work and what we need to do to stay healthy and safe.

These correspond to the Early Learning Goals contained in the DfES Curriculum Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage, which sets out the learning goals for children’s achievement by the end of their Reception year at Primary School. The Foundation Stage covers age 3-6 years, and our work relates to the Stepping Stones towards the Early Learning Goals. We have policies in school relating to each area of learning and how we implement it, and these are available in the lobby.

Our planning sheets for the Learning Intentions and Classroom Areas are displayed in each classroom. Also medium and long term plans.

All the activities we present to children are based on first hand experience with the emphasis on play, as we believe that this is the best way in which 3 and 4 year old children learn. They are presented with a wide range of practical experiences that are intended to motivate, stimulate, and challenge. We promote learning through experience and the encouragement of independence.

Over the course of the year staff collect samples of each child’s work as evidence of their current levels of attainment, including photographs. These portfolios of work are presented as a package to parents, together with a written record of observations with summative comments in each area of the curriculum at the end of the children’s year with us.

Parents are welcome to talk with staff about their children’s progress as they bring or collect them, or an appointment for a longer discussion can be made if needed. We hold an open evening in the autumn term, and there is the opportunity for a 10 minute individual consultation in the spring term. Please also refer to the Parental Involvement and Community Links page.