The curriculum is designed to promote the Characteristics of Effective Learning which run alongside all areas of learning. When planning and guiding what children learn (skills and knowledge), it is important to reflect on the different rates that children are developing and adjust our practice accordingly. The Characteristics of effective learning are important as this is how children learn.

The 3 Characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:

• Playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
• Active Learning – Children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements
• Creating and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

Our curriculum is delivered through considering 3 key elements:

• Individual children (A Unique Child) – How they learn and what prior knowledge they have. This underpins the planning for our learning journeys.
• Practitioners (Positive relationships) – high quality adult interactions! Adults working in Early Years at Queenswell form partnerships with children that develop shared understanding and respect for each other’s thoughts and ideas.
• The Environment (Enabling Environments) – this is crucial to ensure best progress for all children. We provide a learning environment that allows children the opportunity to discover and explore. We offer high quality continuous provision that provides challenge even in the absence of an adult.

The Early Years curriculum is divided into three Prime Areas of Learning and development (Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; and Physical development) and four Specific Areas (Literacy; Maths; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts and Design). The Prime Areas are fundamental, work together and go on to support learning and development in the Specific Areas. The Specific Areas include essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully into society.