Early Years Education

EARLY EDUCATION

All three and four year olds are entitled to 10 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). Overton Play Centre is part of the early entitlement scheme, which means that from the term after your child’s third birthday we can offer you 4 funded sessions per week, one per day, of two and a half hours duration. (Except Tuesdays) Please speak to us for further guidance on your child’s entitlement.

The table below shows when your child will become eligible for their free early learning place.

If your child is born between: They are eligible for a free place from:
1September–31 December 1 January following their third birthday or the beginning of the spring school term.
1 January – 31 March 1 April following their third birthday or the beginning of the summer school term.

EARLY EDUCATION

As Early Education providers, we undergo inspection from Estyn and have a link teacher who supports and monitors our staff. In our most recent Estyn inspection in 2014 we were given excellent in both learning experiences and learning environment. We are extremely proud of the work all our staff do with the children in our care preparing them for school and setting them up to lifelong learners. If you would like to read the inspection report in full, please go to www.estyn.gov.wales and search for our setting.

PLANNING AND OBSERVATION

Each child has a designated key worker. This is a member of staff who is of prime importance to your child, acting as a link between home and pre-school. They will address any queries or concerns that you may have. They are in charge of overseeing your child’s care as well as their emotional and physical wellbeing. Our routine allows your child plenty of one-to-one contact with their key worker. Observation and planning are crucial to ensure that the full range of the children’s development and learning is supported and extended. Your child’s key worker will record observations and assessments to build on the child’s existing knowledge, skills and understanding. Each child will have a ‘dyma fi’ / ‘this is me’ folder, this will be given to parents at the end of term before the child attends school. This folder is also used as a link between ourselves and St. Mary’s (or your chosen school) as it provides the next setting with an observational record of your child’s needs and capabilities.

LONG TERM CURRICULUM

Overton play centre follows the ‘Early Years Foundation Phase.’ A full copy of the guidance is available to view at play centre at request. The Welsh Foundation Phase sets out aims ion the following areas:

  • Personal and Social Development – Well-being, moral development and Cultural Diversity
  • Language, Literacy and Communication – With development skills in oracy, letter recognition and writing.
  • Mathematical Development – With the introduction to solving mathematical problems and reasoning.
  • Developing the Welsh Language – through the use of incidental Welsh, key phrases and songs.
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the World – Exploring the environment around them to encourage cognitive development.
  • Physical Development – Developing skills for adventurous and physical play, healthy living and safety.
  • Creative Development – Developing art, craft and design, encouraging children to be creative.

The curriculum is delivered through the medium of English however Welsh language is integrated into the environment and the Welsh culture is recognised.  The curriculum will respond to diverse needs and will remain appropriate to the child’s stage of learning. With play as its central theme, the Foundation Phase will challenge and inspire, through structured and child initiated activities. We will create opportunities for children to learn through effective planning by offering a variety of balanced and differentiated experiences.