Principles which are Fundamental to Good Early Years Practice

And What Shapes our Provision at Woodcroft Nursery School

• Early childhood is the foundation on which children build the rest of their lives; it is not just preparation for the next stage- it is vitally important in itself.

• Children develop emotionally, intellectually, morally, physically, spiritually and socially and at differing rates.

• Young children learn from everything that happens to them and do not separate their learning into subjects.

• Children learn effectively by doing rather than being told.

• Children learn most effectively when they are actively involved and interested.

• Children need time and space to produce work of quality and depth.

• What children can do rather than what they cannot do are the starting points in their learning.

• Playing and talking are the main ways through which young children learn about themselves and the world around them.

• Children who feel confident in themselves and their own ability have a head-start to learning.

• Children who are encouraged to think for themselves are more likely to act independently.

• All children have abilities which should be identified and promoted.

• The relationships which children establish with adults and other children are of central importance in their development.