Nursery

This term we are learning...

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The areas of learning and development:

There are seven areas of learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage. All areas of learning and development are 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

The number and quality of the conversations they have with adults and peers throughout the day in a language-rich environment is crucial. By commenting on what children are interested in or doing and echoing back what they say with new vocabulary added, practitioners will build children's language effectively. Reading frequently to children, and engaging them actively in stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems, and then providing them with extensive opportunities to use and embed new words in a range of contexts, will give children the opportunity to thrive.

Physical development

Physical activity is vital in children’s all-round development, enabling them to pursue happy, healthy and active lives. Gross and fine motor experiences develop incrementally throughout early childhood, starting with sensory explorations and the development of a child’s strength, co-ordination, and positional awareness.

Personal, social and emotional development

PSED is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives and is fundamental to their cognitive development. Underpinning their personal development are the important attachments that shape their social world. Strong, warm and supportive relationships with adults enable children to learn how to understand their own feelings and those of others.

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Talking with your child:

Research shows speaking, listening, and understanding are central to every aspect of our lives. A child’s later educational success stems from their ability to express their needs, learn how the world works and communicate with others. These websites show short simple videos, such as when to introduce new vocabulary or how to have engaging back and forth conversation with your child.   

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people
• Learning to talk 3 to 5 years - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Talking with your child document (see document link below)

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Improving oral health

Start good oral health habits from the earliest age with your child to prevent tooth decay. Sadly, it is still a serious problem among young children, with tooth extraction being one of the most common procedures for children under 6 in hospital. Watch this video to learn more about ways to start and support your child’s oral health.

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Phonics and early reading

Reading is a vital life skill, children who have stories and rhymes read to them regularly, will have the opportunity to open the doors to so many different worlds. More importantly, reading will give your child the tools to become independent lifelong learners. We can achieve this together through the Read Write Inc program to help your child learn to read fluently.

Encouraging children to develop a love of books by reading to them daily and by giving them access to a wide range of books at home, at school, local library and through online resources such as

• Oxford Owl for School and Home
• Parents and Carers - Ruth Miskin Literacy
• Parents and families | National Literacy Trust
• CBeebies Bedtime Stories - CBeebies - BBC

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Additional Guidance and Useful Links

• What to expect in the EY document (see below)
• Health Visitor Support
• https://oxfordshire.50thingstodo.org/app/os#!/welcome