Themes: Spring Term (half 2)

Topics

There are no longer set to cover the half term, instead we are using ‘In the moment’. This is all about seizing the moment for children to progress. Based on what the children are already deeply involved in, this way of planning relies on skilled practitioners using quality interactions to draw out the children’s knowledge and build on it there and then (in the moment). This means that the practitioner uses skills to observe what the child is doing and needs to do next, assess the teachable moment from the child’s perspective and be skilled enough to know when to intervene and when to stand back and observe.

Planning in the moment is all about capturing the moment of engagement and running with it to make sure the children progress. Running alongside ‘In the moment’ we will also have a focus on: Fundamental British Values.

The Prevent duty became law back in 2015. This is a duty on all schools and registered early years providers to have due regard to preventing people being drawn into terrorism. In order to protect children in your care, you must be alert to any reason for concern in the child’s life at home or elsewhere. This includes awareness of the expression of extremist views.

British values are a set of four values introduced to help keep children safe and promote their welfare – as is the duty of all providers following the EYFS; specifically to counter extremism.

Democracy: making decisions together, for example giving opportunities to develop enquiring minds in an atmosphere where questions are valued.

Rule of law: understanding rules matter as cited in Personal Social and Emotional development for example collaborating with children to create rules and codes of behaviour.

Individual liberty: freedom for all, for example reflecting on their differences and understanding we are free to have different opinions.

Mutual respect and tolerance: treat others as you want to be treated, for example sharing and respecting other’s opinions.

Easter.
We will talk about Easter during the last week of term. We will read the Easter Story, told in a sensitive way for young children, as well as looking at why chocolate eggs and the “Easter Bunny” have become such a part of our celebrations. We hope to visit St. Andrew’s church during Easter week. We will finish the week with an Easter Bonnet Parade on Friday 5th April – all children and families welcome, so please join us for the parade and a small Easter treat.

Afternoon sessions
As our ‘In the moment’ planning is working so well with the children, we will base our afternoon activities and topics on the interests and ideas of the children each week. This will of course still cover the seven areas of learning and will spark imagination and interest in the world in which we live.