Welcome to Early Years

At Devonshire Park, we understand that children learn best when they are absorbed, interested and active. We understand that active learning involves other children, adults, objects, ideas, stimuli and events that aim to engage and involve children for sustained periods. We believe that Early Years education should be as practical as possible and therefore, we are proud that our EYFS setting has an underlying ethos of ‘learning through play’. Play is essential for children’s development across all areas. Play builds on children’s confidence as they learn to explore, to relate to others around them and develop relationships, set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play and by taking part in play, which is guided by adults in our EYFS team. We ensure that the children in our care learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe at all times.

Playing and Exploring: Children investigate and experience things and ‘have a go’. Children who actively participate in their own play develop a larger store of information and experiences to draw on which positively supports their learning.

Active Learning: Children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties. They are proud of their own achievements. For children to develop into self-regulating, lifelong learners they are required to take ownership, accept challenges and learn persistence.

Creating and Thinking Critically: Children develop their own ideas and make links between these ideas. They think flexibly and rationally, drawing on previous experiences, which help them to solve problems and reach conclusions.

Unique Child: Every child is unique and has the potential to be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships: Children flourish with warm, strong and positive partnerships between all staff and parents/carers. This promotes independence across the EYFS curriculum.

Enabling Environments: Children learn and develop well in safe and secure environments where routines are established and where adults respond to their individual needs and passions and help them to build upon their learning over time.

Learning and Development: Children learn and develop at different rates. We are aware of children who need greater support than others.