The Muddy Puddles curriculum centres on The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – a play-based curriculum for children from birth to five years, which allows children to explore and learn in an environment that is secure and safe yet challenging.
Play opportunities are non-stereotypical and available to all children, promoting teaching and learning from a skilled workforce.
Within the EYFS Framework, practitioners provide activities and make assessment judgements are based on the seven areas of learning – 3 Prime Areas and 4 Specific Areas:
Prime
- Communication and Language
This area involves listening and attention, understanding and speaking; developing a child’s confidence to have their voice heard and express their thoughts and feelings through which ever medium best suits their needs.
- Physical Development:
This area involves moving and handling, health and self-care; offering opportunities to exercise in our wake up / shake up activities and making healthy food choices at mealtimes.
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This involves making relationships, self-confidence and self-awareness; managing our feelings and behaviour, in addition to building appropriate attachment. Children learn to display confidence in their own ability and have a strong sense of self-acceptance.
Specific
- Literacy
Muddy Puddles will encourage children to progress their literacy skills through access to books and imaginative play, in addition to focusing on the relationship between sounds and letters.
- Mathematics
We strive to enhance our learner’s knowledge of numbers and shape, space and measure, through play opportunities to develop counting skills and using description to support their understanding of numeracy.
- Understanding the world
We will encourage our learner’s to understand the world around them, including: people, communities, the world and technology.
- Expressive arts and design
We will support our learners in developing expression through media and materials; providing children with the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings and ideas through music, art, dance and role-play activities.