​Learning through play
Being active and playing supports young children’s learning and development through doing
and talking. This is how children learn to think about and understand the world around them.
We use the EYFS statutory education programmes to plan and provide opportunities which
will help children to make progress in all areas of learning. This programme is made up of a
mixture of activities that children plan and organise for themselves and activities planned
and led by practitioners.

Characteristics of effective learning
We understand that all children engage with other people and their environment through the
characteristics of effective learning that are described in the Early Years Foundation Stage
as:

• playing and exploring - engagement

• active learning - motivation

• creating and thinking critically - thinking

We aim to provide for the characteristics of effective learning by observing how a child
engages with learning and being clear about what we can do and provide to support each
child to remain an effective and motivated learner.

Assessment
We assess how young children are learning and developing by observing them. We use
information that we gain from observations of the children, to understand their progress and

where this may be leading them. We believe that parents know their children best and we
will ask you to contribute to assessment by sharing information about what your child likes to
do at home and how you, as parents, are supporting development.
We may make periodic assessment summaries of children’s achievement based on our on-
going observations. These help us to build a picture of a child’s progress during their time
with us and form part of children’s records of achievement/on-line learning journeys
(Tapestry). We undertake these assessment summaries at regular intervals, as well as at
times of transition, such as when a child moves into a different group or when they go on to
school.

The progress check at age two
The Early Years Foundation Stage requires that we supply parents and carers with a short-
written summary of their child’s development in the three prime areas of learning and
development - personal, social and emotional development; physical development; and
communication and language - when a child is aged between 24 - 36 months. Your child’s
key person is responsible for completing the check using information from on-going
observations carried out as part of our everyday practice, taking account of the views and
contributions of parents and other professionals.

Records of achievement/learning journeys
We keep a record of achievement/ on-line learning journey for each child. Your child's record
of achievement/learning journey helps us to celebrate together her/his achievements and to
work together to provide what your child needs for her/his well-being and to make progress.
Your child's key person will work in partnership with you to keep this record. To do this you
and she/he will collect information about your child's needs, activities, interests and
achievements. This information will enable the key person to identify your child's progress.
Together, we will then decide on how to further support your child’s learning and
development.

Working together for your children
We maintain the ratio of adults to children in the setting that is set by the Safeguarding and
Welfare Requirements. This helps us to:

• give time and attention to each child

• talk with the children about their interests and activities

• help children to experience and benefit from the activities we provide

• allow the children to explore and be adventurous in safety