Here we have provided information about the teaching carried out by the playgroup. As the playgroup is a registered provider of funded pre-school education places, we follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum.

'What is the Foundation Stage?'

It's for children aged 3-5, and covers the years they spend from the beginning of nursery or pre-school to the end of reception class in primary school. It was introduced in September 2000 to cover these important years in your child's life.

The Curriculum is divided into 6 key areas of learning:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Mathematical Development
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Physical Development
• Creative Development

Each area has certain related early learning goals which help pre-school staff to focus on what children need to learn. It probably won't feel like learning - most children see it as just fun and play. But as they get to grips with speaking and listening, singing and dancing, stories and counting, they'll be gaining all the basic skills that will get them off to a flying start when they reach Year 1.
- see page 7 of our latest OFSTED report to see how well we are delivering these key areas.

Like every child who attends a funded pre-school, each child at Helsby Playgroup will have a record of their progress through the pre-school section of the Foundation Stage Curriculum. This record is known as a Profile and will be filled in throughout their time at the playgroup from observation of the child's activities. Parents are encouraged to look through the profile with the Supervisor or key worker and to discuss their child's progress.

The Playgroup Supervisor develops Termly, Weekly and Daily Plans which are intended to provide activities that will help the children to acheive the necessary early learning goals. These plans are now being displayed on the playgroup notice board.

There is a great deal of information available covering the foundation stage on the internet including downloads of the full curriculum. Please see the links below.

Learning Journey - The basics of the Foundation Stage Curriculum described in a very easy to understand format.

Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA) - Detailed information on the Curriculum from the government body which develops the National Curriculum for England.