Early Years

What is Early Years Education?

As a general rule, early years or nursery education takes place before children reach statutory school age. All pre-school settings will deliver a high quality education for the Foundation Stage within the framework of the Early Learning Goals.

Principles for Early Years Education

Effective education requires both a relevant curriculum and staff who understand and are able to implement the curriculum requirements
Early years experience should build on what children already know and can do
No child should be excluded or disadvantaged because of his or her race, culture or religion, home language, family background, special educational needs, disability, gender or ability
To be effective, an early years curriculum needs to be carefully structured
A well planned and well organised environment gives children rich and stimulating experiences
Staff must be able to observe and respond appropriately to children, informed by a knowledge of how children develop and learn
Well planned, purposeful activity and appropriate intervention by staff will engage children in the learning process, and help them to make progress in their learning
Staff need to ensure that all children feel included, secure and valued
Children, parents and practitioners, must work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect
High quality care and education will lead to effective learning and development for young children

Always ask to see the current OFSTED Inspection report, this will tell you a lot about the setting. OFSTED reports are available from the early years education providers and also at www.ofsted.gov.uk.