“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances.”
(Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, 2012)
Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self assured.
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with a strong partnership between Dragonfly staff and parents and/or carers.
The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with SEN. Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates, we cater for all.
This involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; to speak and listen in a range of situations. At Dragonfly, some of the ways we do this are by providing lots of small group work, and activities that we all do together and then talk about what we are doing. The children very soon operate as a group choosing activities to do together, allowing for differences between themselves. This is very satisfying for the staff and they encourage it by adding new equipment or extending their play.
Helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; to have confidence in their own abilities. At Dragonfly with the small group and home from the home environment the children quickly gain confidence and are supported closely in their personal relationships.
We provide opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their coordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food. At Dragonfly, nursery children have the opportunity to use large and small equipment inside and outside every day. They are encouraged to take risks, learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, when climbing. There is a range of healthy snacks provided every day and children have the opportunity to cook regularly.
