"Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. (DfE 2023)"

Our Philosophy

Early childhood is the foundation on which children build the rest of their lives. The physical, intellectual, emotional, social and cultural aspects of each child’s life are celebrated and respected. These are identified as the Prime Areas of Learning, underpinned by the Characteristics of Effective Learning.

Our Aims

• To provide the highest quality care and education for all children in our care thereby giving them a strong foundation for their future learning.
• To provide a structured, safe, secure, caring and well-resourced learning environment which meets all the individual developmental needs of children.
• To enable them to become confident, motivated and happy learners, developing the skills and attitudes necessary for their own successful future learning. 
• To develop independence and individuality, whilst fostering respect and tolerance for others irrespective or ability, race, creed, gender or background.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

There are seven areas of learning and development in the EYFS, each important and inter-connected.

Three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.

These are the prime areas:

• communication and language

• physical development

• personal, social and emotional development

These are then strengthened and applied through four key strands:

• literacy
• mathematics
• understanding the world
• expressive arts and design

All of the areas of learning and development are interconnected to the characteristics of effective learning, which are ‘playing and exploring’, ‘active learning’ and ‘creating and critical thinking’.  Here at Heronswood, we have a balance of teacher directed tasks and child initiated activities, which allow children to develop to their full potential.