Our Curriculum & OFSTED

Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage

Our curriculum is built in the guidelines set by Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This is the statutory framework that sets universal standards for learning, development and care for children from 0–5 years. At its core, it recognises that all children are unique and that learning and development must be planned around each child’s individual needs and interests. 

There is an emphasis on children learning through interaction with people and exploring the world around them. The EYFS identifies individuality, the efforts and achievements of children. It also recognises that learning and development takes place during each different activity. Our curriculum encourages children to be lifelong learners and allows them to develop to their full potential.

The EFYS recognises that...

“Educational programmes must involve activities and experiences for children, as follows:

• Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

• Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

• Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

• Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

• Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

• Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

• Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology."

A parents guide to the EYFS is available here

How it works for us

We observe the children, their choices and their interests and formulate lines of development to challenge their learning and achievements. Our daily routines and planning are geared to embrace and enhance their individual interests, styles of learning and level of development.

Our staff use their professional knowledge and knowledge of the children to provide them with the range of activities needed to extend their leaning and development. We use observations, as well as photographs and videos of the children on their secure Digital Learning Journal to allow parents to see their progress and experiences within the setting. 

Three year integrated review

This is completed with our Early Years Educators, a Health Visitor and parents and carers. It looks at health and developmental milestones and provides an opportunity to discuss any developmental concerns or worries.

Baseline report

The EYFS requires all children to have a progress check when they start at an early years setting. This is a short written summary of your child’s development. If you divide your child’s care with our setting and another professional, such as another nursery or child minder, the check is completed by the organisation or professional that spends most time with the child.

Interim termly reports

Each term the keyworkers will complete a short report summarising the learning and development within each area and highlight areas of further development. When children leave us for another setting their termly report includes a transition report which can be provided to their new setting.

Ofsted - Registered 2782674

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. Ofsted is the Government regulator responsible for ensuring all education settings in the U.K. meet stringent standards in education as well as requirements such as ratios of staff to children, first aid trained members and the acceptable number of NVQ/GCSE qualified staff.

Regular thorough inspections are carried out by specially trained professionals to make sure these standards continue to be met.  Our aim is to not only meet these standards in our day to day running but surpass them and strive to go that extra mile.

In April 2024, we were able to update our charity registration to  become an Incorporated Charity (No 1200985), providing our trustees and members with greater protection and ensure the long term future of Acorn Pre-School & The Mighty Oaks. With this came an updated Ofsted registration with a new registration number 2782674.

Whilst from April 2024 we had an updated Ofsted registration (2782674), the day to day ethos, organisation, staffing, early education and childcare remains the same.

Our previous Ofsted registration (EY371758) and inspection can be viewed here.