Early Years and Childcare
The pre-school years from birth to 5 are critical to children’s development and ensuring that when they attend school they have good skills to become effective learners. At GEL, we have a strong childcare sector which provides a wide range of childcare and education training and consultancy for young children to meet your needs. GEL’s Early Years and Childcare team offers advice, support and challenge to early years providers for International Schools to ensure high quality provision and sustainable businesses. The team supports the development of new early years provision and the sustainability of existing provision [including out of school childcare].
GEL support includes workshops and briefing sessions on a range of issues including business and finance, marketing and recruitment and the development of new childcare places.
EXAMPLES OF EARLY YEARS PROVISION IN SCHOOLS:
Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS)
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework is a set of standards which all Early Years providers must meet to make sure children are given the optimum opportunity to progress and develop, in a safe and healthy environment. It is used to provide the foundation for effective future education, through teaching and learning, and to help ease the transition between early years and school.
Revised EYFS Framework (2012) The revised EYFS Framework was published on 27th March 2012 with the aim of improving early years professionals’ ability to promote child learning and development without unnecessary regulation and administration.
MONTESSORI (Early Years Toddler Programme)
This is the time when children use their bodies, senses, and emerging problem-solving skills to learn about and make sense of their world in the ways most meaningful and effective for them. Dr. Montessori was one of the first educators to recognize that the first few years of a child’s life are critical to the development of personality and intellect. Toddlers actively seek out information, they learn quickly and easily, and are especially interested in demonstrating independence. We allow them the freedom to learn as much as they can, as quickly as possible. Montessori educators give toddlers responsive, individualised attention to help build skills in:
• Sensory and Perception
• Physical and Motor Skills
• Social and Emotional Growth
Froebel’s philosophy has influenced early years practice throughout the world. Froebel’s philosophy recognised the importance of play in the intellectual, social and spiritual development of a child and as an essential part of the educational process. Play was considered fundamental to the success of kindergarten. When playing, a young child will put in all his imaginative powers and physical movements in exploring his interests. The activities which are still being conducted in the pre-school environment, for example, singing, dancing, gardening, storytelling, gifts and occupations were considered play.
The Developmental-Interaction Approach
Many pre-schools, kindergartens, and elementary schools today employ the ideas of progressive education. One example of this is the Developmental-Interaction Approach.
Whichever Early Years approach a school decides to implement, we will be there for you to support and guide you through the stages to ensure you success. We have a dedicated team of experts well qualified to provide you with appropriate consultancy and training as required. Why not contact us today for further information!