The Seven Areas of Learning
The Early Years Foundation Stage is vital in making sure your little one is confident and prepared for their journey into school education – and that’s why we believe in nurturing curious minds through the magic of play and exploration. Each of the seven special areas contributes to your Little Pioneer’s development in its own unique and important way, providing a secure foundation which aims to ensure every child is resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Communication and Language
Through stories, songs and giggles, we build a foundation for effective communication. After all, every pioneer needs a strong voice to conquer the world. Language-rich environments which include storytelling, roleplay and conversation help to build children's language effectively, giving them the opportunity to thrive.
Physical Development
Jump, skip and boogie! Our Little Pioneers strengthen their muscles, coordination and confidence through playful activities, ensuring they’re ready to tackle any obstacle in their path. Physical activity is vital to a child's all-round development - from sensory exploration to fine motor-skill development - each step is important in enabling children to pursue healthy and active lives. Read more about Ready, Steady Pedal - our bike riding programme, and Boogie Mites - our fun music and movement lessons.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Encouraging budding friendships and growing hearts – we help foster a sense of self, teach the art of sharing and help to cultivate emotional resilience. Our Generation Play programme is the perfect opportunity for children to build their social skills, learn empathy and build their confidence.
Literacy
Dive into the magic realms of stories and letters. Literacy is the key that unlocks endless worlds of imagination, sparking a love for reading and storytelling early on. Rhymes, poems and songs all help with the development of language comprehension and, later on, skilled word reading.
Mathematics
Counting steps and building with blocks – we turn everyday moments into maths adventures, laying the groundwork for logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Children are encouraged to to 'have a go' - giving them the confidence to count and understand shape, space, and recognise patterns within numbers.
Understanding The World
From nature walks to cultural celebrations, we open doors to understanding different perspectives and appreciating diversity and differences. Frequent exposure to new experiences and environments are vital in helping children make sense of the world around them. Learning about new words, objects and places helps to enrich and broaden their knowledge of the world.
Expressive Arts and Design
Through painting, music and play we encourage self-expression, allowing every Little Pioneer to showcase their unique artistic flair. Imagination and creativity are encouraged through playing with a wide range of media and materials. Regular opportunities to engage with the arts are important in helping children appreciate and interpret what they see, hear and respond to.
At Little Pioneers we know that every parent wants the best possible start for their child. That’s why supporting and nurturing the development of each Little Pioneer is one of our top priorities. Read more about our Top Tips and How we help children transition into school.