OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY AND LEARNING POLICY

As a registered childminder registered by OFSTED to care for children of all ages I have to make sure that I provide good learning opportunities for all the children in my care.

This includes children of all ages and abilities.

I always make sure that all the children are given the opportunity to take part in play and learning, with no exceptions (please see my equal opportunities policy)

I have a very good range of toys and resources available for all ages and abilities. I encourage free play everyday and encourage children to choose what they want to do.

I also have planned activities which are set to suit the needs of the children present. I encourage children to take part but never force a child to do anything they do not want to do.

Below are some examples of toys and activities available and their links with the Early learning goals as set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

*dressing up – to encourage independence

*books – with positive images of different cultures / families etc to encourage understanding of others.

*outings to parks and playgroup – to encourage interaction with others and acceptance of different routines 

*games – to encourage playing together , taking turns , following rules. Board games , running games , singing games etc

COMMUNICATION AND  LANGUAGE 

LITERACY

*books – to teach that words have meaning

*drawing, painting – to encourage mark making and eventually writing

*songs and rhymes – to encourage enjoyment of songs and rhymes

MATHEMATICS

*number rhymes – to teach numbers

*construction toys e.g. wooden blocks – to encourage problem solving

*sorting toys – to encourage classifying 

*jigsaws and puzzles

 UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

*outdoor exploration – to encourage understanding of the environment

*ICT equipment including musical toys, toys with switches and buttons – to encourage understanding of how things work

*sand play – discovering through exploration and touch

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

*Outdoor play – riding, climbing, running, sliding

*messy play – soil, sand, paint to encourage use of tools and small equipment 

*food activities – to encourage healthy eating 

EXPRESIVE ARTS AND DESIGN

*musical instruments – to encourage exploration of sounds

*painting – to encourage creative use and understanding of colours and textures 

*dance – to help encourage use of rhythm and song

These activities are only a small sample of those available.

When planning toys and activities I always take into account the ages and abilities of the children present. I make sure that things can be used safely and use close supervision where ever needed. I use observation and record keeping to asses if an activity can be improved. 

Older children are encouraged to suggest activities and help plan for them