The pre-school years are particularly
important and very exciting for the children. We offer
a vast range of materials and activities. Children are
introduced to first steps of reading, writing, number
work in a simple, creative and enjoyable way and at the
same time stimulating their language skills and extending
vocabulary. Our key worker system involves the children
in fun learning activities as well as preparing them for
Primary school and making them Independent.
At Little Stars Pre-School, we follow the Curriculum Guidance
for the Foundation Stage as explained below. Children
are exposed to a wide range of teaching materials and
learning methods without imposing any restriction on a
particular method of teaching. In doing so, each child
is able to excel to the best of their ability. |
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Personal, social and emotional
development
To assist in the social, emotional and
physical development of the child in a happy, stimulating
environment. The child will be allowed to experiment,
explore and express themselves freely using a variety
of equipment and instruments. The use of imagination and
concentration in this area leads them naturally towards
educational discoveries in readiness for school.
We aim to provide opportunities for children to become
valued members of the group and community so that a strong
self-image and self-esteem are promoted and children grow
to be confident.
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Communication
language and literacy
Children will develop in many areas when they
are learning to communicate. The children will develop
their pre-reading skills such as language, vocabulary,
speech, memory, motor control and listening ability and
recognise basic alphabets as well as numbers through a
variety of planned programmes as part of early learning
goals..
In addition, the group will give opportunities
for children to talk and communicate in a wide range of
situations, to respond to adults and to each other and
learn how to co-operate and listen to each other and develop
their skills.
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Mathematical development
Our key workers will allow opportunities
for all children to develop their understanding of number,
measurement, pattern, shapes and sizes and various mental
strategies from their daily experiences of quantity and
numbers.
Children will learn to start counting with things such
as people, toys and how many chairs are needed for everyone
to sit down before they can relate numbers. From here
they will eventually learn that mathematics is not just
numbers. |
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Knowledge and understanding
of the world
Children will learn through experience
and exploration about the environment and people and places
which have significance in their lives. Opportunities
will be given for them to solve problems and experiment
using various materials.
Children will begin to see changes over time and to understand
cause and effect. They will be encouraged to experiment
using various science materials e.g. magnifying glass,
scales, look at flowers, weigh objects -learn heavy and
light, light/lighter/lightest.
Observation, investigation, questioning all play an important
part in developing children.
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Physical development
Opportunities will be given for children
to practice their motor skills, learn about their body
and how to be healthy. A range of physical exercises will
be a part of the curriculum. |
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Creative development
and activities with Music & Drama
Children will be encouraged to participate
in-group singing, learn finger rhymes, animal songs with
movements and also learn about various cultures/religion
as well as imaginative role play activities through Music
& Drama. In particular, the group always celebrate
all the various festivals such as Diwali, Eid, Chiristmas,
Jewish as well as Chinese New Year and encourage the children
to wear traditional costumes. |
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Early Learning software on Computer / Videos
Older children will also have the opportunity of learning
further through Early Learning software on the computer
in smaller groups which often enhances their development
with audio and visual displays.
Within all of the above learning areas, there are Early
Learning Goals which the children will be working towards
at the nursery but will be achieving at the end of their
reception year at Primary School.
It is very important to remember that all children’s
development is different and every child is an individual
and will progress at their own individual pace. Children
will always be encouraged to develop their knowledge and
understanding through day to day activities and parents
must make sure not to put pressure in any way on children
who may appear slow.
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Children's Centres
Harrow's children's centres provide services
to meet the needs of children under five years old and
their families. They provide a central location where
families can access information and services from a team
of professionals working in a wide range of fields. Little
Stars Pre-School is affiliated to Whitefriars Children’s
Centre and for further details you can Telephone: 020
8861 3036 Whitefriars First and Middle School and Children's
Centre, Whitefriars Avenue, Wealdstone, Middlesex, HA3
5RQ |
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Little Stars Pre-School believe
it is vital that parents understand that the pre-school
years should be fun and exciting for all. Play and free
choice activities will be considered to be very much
part of the daily routine and allow the children to
develop independence at their own pace.
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