Welcome to our Nursery
Forest School Principles are at the heart of our philosophy at Busy Beacons Nursery.
Busy Beacons is a happy and vibrant nursery where we strive to provide an outstanding early years education for all children. It is set in a woodland space which enables children to experience the awe and wonder of the natural world through a forest school programme.
Forest school is a form of early years education which takes place in a woodland or forest environment. It is a childcentred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth. It is a longterm programme that supports play and exploration.
The benefits of a Forest School are extensive: fostering self-esteem, building confidence, managing risks, stimulating cognitive growth using all five senses, enhancing mindfulness, developing physical literacy, and most importantly utilising nature.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Busy Beacons follows a structure of learning, development and care for children from birth to 5 years.
This is called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and it enables your child to learn through a range of activities and prepare them for success with the primary school curriculum.
The EYFS learning and development requirements comprise:
Areas of Learning and Development
There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.
Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.
These three areas, the prime areas, are:
Busy Beacons also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.
The specific areas are:
Busy Beacons will consider the individual needs, interests, and stage of development of each child in their care, and will use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience for each child in all of the areas of learning and development.
When working with the youngest children we will focus strongly on the three prime areas, which are the basis for successful learning in the other four specific areas.
The three prime areas reflect the key skills and capacities all children need to develop and learn effectively, and become ready for school. It is expected that the balance will shift towards a more equal focus on all areas of learning as children grow in confidence and ability within the three prime areas.
Throughout the early years, if a child’s progress in any prime area gives cause for concern, we will discuss this with the child’s parents and/or carers and agree how to support the child. We will consider whether a child may have a special educational need or disability which requires specialist support.
We will link with, and help families to access relevant services from other agencies as appropriate.
For children whose home language is not English, providers must take reasonable steps to provide opportunities for children to develop and use their home language in play and learning, supporting their language development at home.
In order for the children at Busy Beacons to have effective teaching and learning each child will have their own Key Person and this person will help to ensure that every child’s learning and care is tailored to meet their individual needs.
In order for the children at Busy Beacons to have effective teaching and learning each child will have their own Key Person and this person will help to ensure that every child’s learning and care is tailored to meet their individual needs.
The Key Person will plan and guide children’s activities and reflect on different ways that children learn.
Three characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:
For further information about the Early Years Foundation Stage, visit the Department of Education.
