Cherrytots Playschool

OUR CURRICULUM 

Here at Cherrytots Playschool we informally engage with the national Siolta and Aistear framework for early childhood care and education system in Ireland. 

 

Síolta is the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, was developed by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. It was published in 2006, following a three-year developmental process, which involved consultation with more than 50 diverse organisations, representing childcare workers, teachers, parents, policy makers, researchers and other interested parties.Síolta is comprised of three distinct but interrelated elements: Principles, Standards and Components of Quality. The 12 Principles provide the overall vision of the Framework, while the 16 Standards and 75 Components allow for the practical application of this vision across all aspects of ECCE practice. The Components of Quality are further explained by a set of Signposts for Reflection and ‘Think-abouts’ which are intended to support practitioners in early education settings to become aware of and critical of their practice. These core elements of Síolta are set out in detail in each of the Síolta user manuals.

 

Aistear is the new early childhood curriculum framework for children from birth to six years in Ireland. Because early childhood marks the beginning of children’s lifelong learning journeys, this framework is called Aistear, the Irish word for journey.It provides information to help practitioners, including infant teachers and Early Start teachers, to plan for and provide enjoyable and appropriately challenging learning experiences that will allow all children grow and develop as competent and confident learners. Aistear describes the types of learning experiences that are important for children in early childhood, and offers lots of practical ideas and suggestions. Examples of how this learning might be nurtured are also given.

 

Our most important goal at Cherrytots is to offer equal educational opportunities for all children by providing support and encouragement to inspire lifelong learning in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

 

We provide a stimulating nurturing environment in which children will learn. Co-operative partnership between parents and staff will be ongoing through your child’s stay at Cherrytots Playschool.

 

Here in playschool we recognise that early education is of utmost importance and through informal education we can allow children learn through play.

 

We do this by using our Curriculum which: 

• Is play based on clearly defined aims and objectives as set out in the national curriculum framework Aistear which we support with implementation of Sìolta the national standards framework for early years services.

• Is flexible and open to new approaches and ideas on how to promote and meet the growing need of children based on the emerging interest of each child.

• Recognises that children are learning all the time and that children learn best when they are actively involved and interested.

• Includes a variety of activities that provide for the physical development of the children both indoors and out on a daily basis (please provide adequate outdoor clothing daily)

• Includes stimulating sensory experiences (touch, taste, sight, sound and smell) appropriate to the child’s level of development•Encourages children to think for themselves, helping them to make their own decisions and find their own answers to questions.

• Provides an atmosphere that offers the children suitable challenges and stimulates problem-solving.

• Encourages feelings of safety, trust and emotional security to the children in our care.

• Helps children to develop self-esteem by giving them the opportunity to be actively involved in their own learning.

• Encourages at all times, sociability, friendship and co-operation whit others, through the provision of co-operative play and the opportunity for children to mix with siblings and same-age peers.

• Aims to match all tasks with each child’s level of ability and attention span.

• A range of activities are chosen to reflect various differences in cultures, gender and ability.

• We regularly check our books, posters and other materials to ensure that they challenge stereotyping and that they positively and accurately reflect cultural and ethnic diversity.

• Staff plan and review activities within each area of our facility to consider the needs of individual children.

 

in order to promote each childs welbeing, communication, exploring & thinking and identity & belonging