Early Years education is the foundation upon which children build the rest of their lives and is an education that encompasses all learning. Early Years education is concerned with physical, social, emotional, aesthetic and intellectual development of the individual child, with no one area standing in isolation from the others. In this policy the early years of education refers to children under the age of 5 and all children in the reception year. This policy outlines the purpose, nature and management of early years education at our pre-school.

The needs of the early years child

• The need for love and security
  Without approval and acceptance form significant adults, the child is unable to develop a positive concept of self. Children must be respected for what they individually have to offer.

• The need for new experiences
  Intellectual growth depends upon new experiences. Play is a vehicle for exploring new experiences. Play enables children to acquire control of their bodies and to master tools and materials.

• The need for praise and recognition
  The growing child is required to expend considerable effort acquiring the skills, concepts and attitudes, which will support future development. The incentive provided by praise and recognition of effort is essential for success; mistakes and failures must be regarded as a valid stage of learning.

• The need for responsibility
  Young children need a framework in which they can exercise increasing responsibility for themselves and others. They require knowledge of what is allowed and reasons for the rules that operate as constraints.