The children spend every Wildflowers morning in nature where they benefit from:
- stimulating and varied environments in which to be inquisitive and inventive
- opportunities to build their confidence by meeting challenges and taking risks
- freedom to move and be physically active
- real-life contexts in which to cooperate and solve problems together with others
- resources for play that require them to use their initiative and imagination
- an environment that inspires a sense of adventure and wonder
- space to immerse themselves in their experiences, observations and reflections
- freedom to be silent
When interacting and exploring together, we use language that the children may assimilate - concepts to organise information, describe experiences and extend their understanding of the world.
The children have opportunities to express themselves through art, design, sound, song and dance both outdoors and indoors, where we provide open-ended resources and activities.
We teach mathematics at each child's level of understanding, based on their personal learning plan so we can ensure that they master one skill at a time and have gained sufficient understanding before being introduced to another that is more advanced.
The children are taught to read when showing interest and ability, following our phonics programme. Parents whose child has reached this stage will be sent guidance on how to support their child's learning at home and a list of words to practise for a few minutes each day.
We show children with sufficient attention and pencil control how to form letters, with joined or print script.
To support children's development and learning capabilities, we endeavour to :
- lead the group in ways which ensure that they feel and are safe and secure
- enable them to be fully open to and engaged with their environment by ensuring their physical and emotional well-being
- understand, through careful observation and discussion, what prevents some children from challenging themselves
- help them to be free from any limiting images they may have of themselves or others may have of them
- teach skills with sensitivity to their development and personality
When meeting a difficulty, we encourage children to try again and then ask another child to help. If unable to resolve it together, we suggest what they can do and then support them as little as is needed to succeed.
We foster attitudes of being active in learning - to be curious, take risks, persevere, solve problems, negotiate and reflect. We stimulate and nurture creative thinking by asking open questions, exploring possibilities together, and challenging and extending ideas. We make children aware of connections they can make in their learning, such as between new experiences and previous ones.
Children need to be fully engaged in their experiences for their learning to have a deep impact on their understanding. To initiate and sustain their involvement, we:
- attempt to give them time and space to meet their own challenges and develop what they are doing in depth
- tune into their ideas and intentions, show interest in their methods and processes, and offer suggestions
- show positive attitudes to learning by being curious, creative, persistent and enthusiastic ourselves
