In many ways, it is somewhat odd to talk about a “curriculum” for early years’ pupils. The word implies a degree of formality which is at odds with the way in which young children learn. So much is dependent on building a culture that fosters a child’s innate love of learning and develops her or his natural intellectual curiosity.
Pre-prep education is the foundation for a child’s future learning in school. We build on the important role of parents in developing children’s understanding of themselves and their world. Emphasis is placed on encouraging curiosity and creativity through increasingly structured “play”. This is not “play” in the sense of messing around aimlessly in the sand-pit, as it is sometimes depicted, but “play” which develops out of already acquired knowledge and skills and takes children into fresh areas of experience. This nurtures emerging academic skills and develops opportunities for social interaction. In intellectual terms, children take their first steps in decision making, problem solving and communicating. In social terms they make friends and learn to show respect to and consideration for others. Most importantly, they develop the capacity to enjoy learning from experience, the foundation of that resilience which makes for successful and happy adults.
To ensure that we build a culture which caters for the needs of all our children, our well-qualified, experienced staff all accept a number of fundamental principles. They are:
- No child will be excluded or disadvantaged because of ethnicity, culture or religion, home language, family background, special educational needs, disability*, gender or ability.
- Staff ensure children feel included, secure and valued. They build positive relationships with parents in order to work effectively with them and their children through our key person system.
- We build on what children already know and skills they have developed. We encourage a positive attitude and disposition to learn from all children.
- Our relationship with parents is hugely important to us. Parents are encouraged to share their child’s achievements out of Bankfield so we can celebrate success and plan future learning opportunities.
(* It should be noted that there are some forms of disability that we simply cannot cope with, because of the nature of our facilities and, in some instances, because we do not have the appropriate personnel.)
