We recognise that children learn and develop in different ways and at different times. We believe ‘play’ and especially ‘talking’ and ‘doing’ is at the heart of young children’s learning and development. Parents and staff work closely together to provide playful learning opportunities and support to move children on. Each child therefore has their own learning journey which records their own significant moments of learning and development. These are maintained by the child’s key person to trap significant moments in learning. Learning Journeys not only capture what is learnt but how things are learnt; some things arent easy and the journey is as important as the learning achieved. Parents are encouraged to access Tapestry and share their experience of the child’d learning away from the setting to help us build a picture of the whole child. This is particulalry helpful for children where English is an additional language, since it shows their learning when language is not a barrier.
There are 7 areas of learning and development that shape children’s learning and development. They are equally important and interconnected to support the development of a well balanced and rounded child. We believe that the 3 prime areas (Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Physical Development) are fundamentals which provide the building blocks for curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and forming relationships. They also support children’s development in 4 specific areas (Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design). Our curriculum planning and environment reflect these 7 areas and we provide support and advice for parents on how to support their child’s learning and development.
As a setting we believe that children in our care have the freedom to be and to feel safe, and the freedom to learn. As part of a child’s learning and development we encourage them in the understanding of what is right and wrong and why, together with learning about the impact of their words and actions on themselves and others.
“My mammy will always treasure my ‘Learning Journey’ and I’ll be able to see the great toys I played with, activities I did and the things I said when I was little.” – J.C.