Here at Circus, we follow development matters, a philosophy considering the holistic development of your child. The curriculum is designed relative to the child’s age and stage of development and organised into 7 areas of learning to encompass the 3I’s: intent, implementation and impact.

Within the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, there are 7 areas of learning and development, each area being paramount as they all interconnect. These 7 areas are used to shape our curriculum and determine what children should learn and how their learning will be supported through each of these areas, which are split into two categories: the prime areas and the specific areas.

Prime areas lay the foundations for future development. Each of these areas are extremely important for ‘igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving’. The three prime areas are: Communication & Language, Personal, Social and Emotional, and Physical development.

These four specific areas are intended to also strengthen learning and development within the prime areas, interconnecting the 7 areas. The four specific areas are: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

A topic-based approach is carefully determined, which we change monthly. Staff focus on key events happening and incorporate these within the planning framework.

For example, in January, the focus could be Chinese New Year, Burns night, Australia day and International Lego Day.

In addition we embrace and encompass child led activities recognising them as being equally as important as adult led activities, capturing precious “in the moment” learning. The best planning and curriculum derive from a balance between adult and child led activities, incorporating both the indoor and great outdoor areas.

Each staff member has their own key children responsible for helping those children in the group feel safe and cared for. The role is an important one and an approach set out in the EYFS which is working successfully in settings and in Reception classes.

All activities at the setting are carried out through play, heavily based on research and evidence on how best children learn and develop, making sense of their world and finding meaning in an experience by connecting it to something already known. Through play children can express and expand their understanding of these experiences and as they explore through play, develop positive self esteem and confidence.