Early Learning Policy at Mulberry Garden

Mulberry Garden promotes the learning and development of children in our care. We recognise that each child is an individual and our highly qualified staff consider their needs, interests and development when planning a challenging and enjoyable experience across the seven areas of learning and development. Mulberry Garden staff guide and plan what children learn, reflecting on the different rates at which they develop and adjust practice appropriately. Our aim is to support all children attending Mulberry Garden to achieve their maximum potential within their individual capabilities.

We provide a positive inclusive play environment for every child, so they develop good social skills and an appreciation of all aspects of our multicultural society. We plan learning experiences to ensure there is equality of opportunity for all children and a celebration of diversity.

For children whose home language is not English, we will take reasonable steps to:

●  Provide opportunities for children to develop and use their home language in play and learning and support their language development at home.

●  Ensure that children have sufficient opportunities to learn and reach a good standard in English language appropriate to the stage of their development.

Our educational programmes are well planned and resourced to have depth and breadth across the seven areas of learning, with challenging experiences to meet the needs of all children. Planning is based on a secure knowledge and understanding of how to promote the learning and development of young children.

Mulberry Garden implements the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure children learn and develop well. We support children’s learning and development holistically through play-based activities. We review their learning and development, and ensure a flexible approach is maintained, which responds quickly to children’s developmental needs. Tailor-made activities are developed, based on observations, which inform future planning and draw on children’s needs and interests. This is promoted through adult-led and child-initiated opportunities both indoors and outdoors.

Mulberry Garden maintains a personalised record of every child's development, showing their abilities, progress, interests and any areas requiring further support. Assessment is an integral part of our practice and we carry out formative assessment through daily observations, although this will not take us away from interacting with the children.

The following summative assessment is carried out:

●  Assessment on entry (starting point), including parental contributions followed by a progress check at age two.

●  EYFS profile when children transition to new rooms or leave for school.

Mulberry Garden acknowledges parents as primary educators and encourages parental involvement. We build strong home links in order to enhance and extend children’s learning both within the Mulberry Garden environment and in the child’s home and have regular meetings with parents to keep them up to date with their child’s progress.

We share information about the EYFS curriculum with parents and signpost them to further support at

www.foundationyears.org.uk/