Involves children being provided with the opportunity to experience a language rich environment; develop confidence in expressing their wants, needs and feelings and being able to speak and listen in a variety of contexts. We used a variety of ways that support children to acquire new vocabulary, including adult modelling and commenting, conversation, storytelling, rhyme time and role play. Key workers get to know all children and their communication styles. 

We value all children's communication means and promote these amongst all children including; Makaton, visual supports, the use of 'first call' and other strategies in liaison with our SENDCo. 

Involves children being encouraged to be interactive and active in their learning and develop control, coordination and movement. They are supported in understanding the importance of physical activity and how to make informed healthy choices at meal times. Children will discover how their bodies work and how different effects activities have on themselves. 

In our 2-5 room, we promote gross motor and fine motor skills development using one of 3 different daily exercises programmes including; 'yoga', 'Dough Disco' and 'squiggle while you wiggle'. 

Involves supporting children to develop confidence and respect for themselves and others. It supports the children in managing their own feelings and understanding appropriate behaviour, which enables them to form strong attachments and relationships. Our key workers are dedicated to supporting all children's personal, social and emotional development. All staff work together to create a safe and secure environment, developing a culture of positive meaningful relationships. 

Encourages children to extend on core communication and language skills to enable them to develop skills for reading and fine motor skills to support writing. Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials to ignite their interest and adults are on hand to nurture interest in exploring these further during adult initiated tasks and child initiative learning. Children will be encouraged to develop a love of listen to stories by sharing their favourite stories with adults and small groups. Children will explore sounds within their names, their peers names and in familiar objects and people around them.  Children are encouraged to ask questions and given opportunities to discuss their thoughts and ideas.

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Here at Littleleaps we are guided by the 'letters and sounds' guidance, concentrating on listening and attention development as well as developing a day to day love of books. If children show interest in extending their 'letter and sounds' practitioners may introduce the 'Jolly phonics' program.

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Jolly Phonics, teaches children to read and write using synthetic phonics, this means that we teach letter sounds as opposed to the alphabet. This is widely recognised as the an effective way to teach children to read and write in English. 

Encourages opportunities for children to explore, experiment and discover. Children will develop an interest and improve counting skills with a focus on numbers 1-10. Understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems and to describe shapes, space and measures will also be introduced and extended on whilst your child is at Littleleaps. Practitioners are skilled to extend children's interests to incorporate mathematics and make it a fun experience for all! Children will develop understanding of mathematical concepts using these 'in context', practice to deepen their understanding and given meaningful opportunities to apply their knowledge. 

Our interactive whiteboard is also a great enhancement in supporting developing mathematical problem solving skills. 

Involves supporting children in making sense of the world around them and their community by providing opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. We love taking adventures out in our local area and the park is a great place to learn about our environment. Every year we will explore at least 1 life cycle during Spring term, following the interest of the children. In 2021 we explored caterpillars and in 2019 we explored the life cycle of ducks, we can't wait to see what will take our interest in 2022. 

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Enables children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as encouraging the sharing of thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design and technology. Children are able to access a range of multimedia options to promote self expression as well as have access to adult guided activities. Open ended play is promoted within our role play area as well as enhanced play provocations following the childrens interest. Messy play activities are available daily and offer children a chance to experiment with textures, colours and sensory experiences.