Starfish class is run with a balance of adult led learning opportunities and child initiated learning through ‘Discovery Time’.
Our adult-led learning activities are based on our knowledge of the children’s needs, interests and next steps. We are also about to take advantage of our whole school site and learning environment.
We assess each child’s progress continuously, keeping written observations, photos and examples of activities completed which will be shared with parents. We also communicate regularly with parents about their child’s on going development through our parents evening and at drop-off and pick-ups to/from Starfish class.
The staff in Starfish class work very closely with the EYFS team and as a result, our children are introduced to concepts that they will also come across in Reception for example; sitting on the carpet in preparation for whole group sessions such as sharing a story and singing a song or beginning to develop phonic knowledge.
There is continuity across our Early Years environments (Pre-School and Reception) which supports children with their transition from Pre-School to Reception.
We strongly believe that young children learn through play as well as through experiences, which capture their imaginations.
During the children’s time in Starfish class they will:
- Investigate and explore a range of activities that will predominantly support the development and knowledge of the prime areas of the EYFS framework, alongside all other areas of the curriculum.
- Participate in group based activities which will support them to develop their social, emotional and communication knowledge and skills.
- Have the opportunity to explore the inside and outside environment during child initiated learning time.
- Take part in singing rhymes and songs.
- Share stories with the other children and as a whole group. This is a great time to develop the children’s language and communication skills, encouraging them to join in with repeated refrains and begin to answer simple questions about books shared.
- Participate in adult-led activities in small groups or on a one-to-one basis.
- Have snack and meal times together alongside their peers, developing their communication skills and learning about different types of food and a healthy diet.
