Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
Our intent is to enable all children to flourish from their individual starting points. We embrace what each family brings to our setting and work with them to support their children to become independent learners.
Children learn to be independent learners through positive relationships, uninterrupted play, conversational experiences with others and the development of strong characteristics of effective learning.
Our intent is that all children feel happy and so continue to develop a love of learning through play at Lower Covey
Implementation
Children are enabled to build positive relationships with others through a ‘key person’ who gets to know the whole family well and helps their child settle into the nursery routines. All adults are supportive; they value children’s choices and decisions, get to know their individual learning styles and recognise that they develop in their own ways.
Our environment at Lower Covey enables children to lead their own learning by following their individual interests. They are given meaningful experiences that allow them to build on the knowledge they already have. They have space to move, time for uninterrupted play and open-ended resources which enable them to think for themselves. They have opportunities to revisit learning and extend their investigations.
Children are ambitious and thrive on having control over their own learning. This exposure to rich experiences which are connected to their existing knowledge, motivates them to learn. They find out for themselves by having a go at activities, asking their own questions and thinking critically. The opportunities they have to revisit their learning support them to consolidate their understanding and transfer new experiences into their long-term memory.
There are many opportunities for interactions in this enabling environment and through the positive relationships children develop. They are challenged and encouraged to take risks in their learning. The development of their language and communication skills is valued, with adults introducing them to new vocabulary, modelling the language of sustained, shared thinking and engaging them in conversations about their interests. They are taught a wide repertoire of rhymes and songs and their love of reading is extended through the sharing of good quality texts.
Impact
Although each child has their own key person, they are assessed by the whole staff team so that activities can be planned in response to their developing needs. They become highly motivated learners who are able to persevere even when faced with challenges. They demonstrate concentration, imagination and deep engagement with their learning.
During their time at Lower Covey, children develop self-regulation and positive learning habits. They leave as happy, independent individuals who are confident in their abilities and ready to embrace new learning throughout their lives.