There are a number of approaches to learning and development within UK early years care which each offer a unique perspective and key advantages. At Bright Minds we look at each approach holistically, utilising the most effective aspects alongside our own experience and knowledge to create a unique, balanced model which is grounded by the core EYFS Framework.
EYFS & Childcare approaches
The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) is the standard framework that is given to all early years’ settings to follow to ensure that there is a breadth and depth of quality learning opportunities for every child. The EYFS sets out three prime and four specific areas for learning which form the foundations of the Bright Minds curriculum.
The EYFS also provides developmental guidance to practitioners for observing, assessing and planning for children so that children from all over the country are assessed equally using a single framework. This uniformity enables practitioner’s families to have a shared understanding with childcare professionals of early years achievement and identification of potential developmental delay.
Please click here to learn more about modern approaches in childcare including Montessori, Forest School and Reggio Emilia.
The Bright Minds ‘Star Framework’ is a holistic model for early years care, learning and development which incorporates each of the primary childcare approaches (including Montessori and Reggio Emilia), utilising the most effective aspects alongside our own experience and knowledge to create a unique, balanced model which is grounded by the core EYFS Framework.
The brain develops faster during the first five years than at any other time in our lives. At Bright Minds we understand that the quality of interactions, experiences and opportunities given to children during this time are key to laying the foundations for future progression. Our curriculum, physical environments and highly trained staff are aligned to supporting the early stages of cognitive development, defined by Piaget as the Sensorimotor stage (0-2 years), where sensory exploration is key, and the Preoperational stage (2-7 years), where imagination and communication is developed.
Social development and communication skills are heavily influenced by those closest to the children. At Bright Minds we operate a key person system who is not only responsible for learning and development they are the child’s friend as well teacher, alongside being the families’ first port of call on a daily basis. Interactions with other children will be facilitated through teamwork focused activities and collaborative play where each child can learn to value individual differences create bonds with their peers. Speaking and language development will be carefully monitored using ECAT assessments and any barriers addressed early.
Children learn how to behave through the observation of those closest to them alongside the identification and labelling of natural feelings experienced through exploration. Bright Minds believes that by creating a supportive, inclusive and encouraging environment children will learn to exhibit positive behaviours that will build self-confidence, self-awareness and self-control, whilst also developing an empathetic awareness of behaviour which teaches them to be respectful and considerate of others at all times. Children will learn to think critically to resolve conflicts for themselves through the High Scope strategies.
At Bright Minds we aim to fuel a child’s natural creativity as they learn to express themselves and hone their skills through a wide variety of mediums including art, music, literature, dance and theatre. As each child learns to harness their language skills and emotional development, creative expression is also a key communication channel to help articulate how they are feeling. Our priority is to understand the characteristics of each child in our care to ensure we can tailor learning to accentuate their strengths whilst supporting them through any difficulties. Bright Minds is also passionate about encouraging and teaching children to use creative and alternative thinking when solving problems or tackling new environments.
Physical development starts from birth and is nurtured throughout a child’s journey at Bright minds. We ensure that each child develops their core strength, gross motor coordination and fine motor dexterity through a facilitative environment designed to offer targeted provision for each stage of a child’s physical development including indoor climbing apparatus and soft play for babies and toddlers alongside outside digging areas and wheeled toy tracks for pre-school children. Bright Minds also provides a wide range of healthy and nutritious meals that are carefully balanced for salt and fat content taking into account the “Children’s Food Trust” guidance for nutrition for under 5s.
Academic aptitude and advancement is an important aspect of a child’s future progression in life but one that needs to be adapted to individual learning styles to ensure children are able to achieve their potential whilst enjoying not fearing education. The Bright Minds curriculum targets key areas of academic learning including numeracy, literacy (including physical literacy to build gross motor strength and coordination necessary for writing) and science based learning (understanding the world around them) which is guided by our childcare professionals who can mould learning around each child and quickly identify and address any areas for improvement.
At Bright Minds, we have created on-site opportunities that allow children to engage in a wide range of extra-curricular activities that go above and beyond the core EYFS curriculum.
Our mission is to celebrate each child’s uniqueness and allow them to reach their full potential, whilst building confidence and communication skills. The extra-curricular activities enable each child to develop skills and characteristics that can also play to their individual strengths.
Each nursery has a bespoke extra-curricular timetable which will change, typically termly, to offer variety for children. The tailored programme will be delivered through a combination of specialist external companies and our own nursery practitioners (where relevant skills and experience is held). All settings will offer extra-curricular activities throughout the week at no additional cost to parents.
Bright Minds believe that these additional activities play a significant role in our little superstars’ development. The first extra-curricular activities that will be run across our settings will include:
- Spanish for Little Superstars
- French for Little Superstars
- Italian for Little Superstars
- Group Piano Tuition
- Little Laces
- Little Tags
- Little Tennis
- Little Dramatics
- Mini Movers
- Cooking Club
- Makaton Signs
- Forest School Learning
Please note that these activities will change each term to ensure children have a holistic experience and the chance to explore and develop a range of skills.