Buzy Bees Pre-School

about us

The Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) Framework has been created in response to the “Every Child Matters” document produced by the Government. The overarching aims of the EYFS framework is to help all young children achieve the Every Child Matters outcomes of:

• Staying safe • Making a positive contribution • Achieving economic well-being •
• Being healthy • Enjoying and achieving •

How do we help your child learn and
develop whilst having fun?

What is the EYFS framework?:
This is a whole package using four key principles that sets the standards for learning, development and care for your younger children from birth to 5. Incorporated in this package are all the previous curriculum documents that we are all trained to use i.e Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation stage, Birth to 3 Matters framework and the National Standards for Under 8’, Daycare and Childminding. Following the Early Years Foundation Stage principles (see below) you can be assured your child will be the centre of the pre-school experience.

The EYFS principles are:-
A Unique Child
Positive Relationships
Enabling Environment
Learning and Development

By adopting the EYFS framework we are working with the children holistically. We talk to them, asking them about their opinion and their interests. We then build on these, planning activities and experiences and offering opportunities for them to explore and investigate the world around them. We still plan each week around the 6 areas of development but, through observation and assessment, what is taught is child initiated. Themes and ideas are developed through observations and conversations that have taken place during play in session.

Medium Term Plans:
Our medium term plans are made under the four principles of the EYFS, enabling Buzy Bees to set targets each term and continually improve the setting raising standards. Our aim is to make Buzy Bees the best it can possibly be so that your child can learn and develop through play in a safe and child friendly environment, with all adults involved in their care working together to give them the best chance to reach their full potential.

During session (Short term plans):
Once the observations, assessments and planning sheets are done the fun begins!!

The activities planned each week are a selection of focussed activitieswhere an adult initiates play and works with the children making observations while they have fun!, or planned opportunities where the children can freely go and do their own thing, using their imaginations and thinking up their own ideas: an adult will be nearby to help them develop their ideas or guide them if need be.

Buzy Bees still follows the idea that children learn best through play but this can be enhanced and developed if the adults working with them are interested, involved in the activity, listening to what they are saying and are motivated to learn more themselves, i.e training!

Should you need more information on the curriculum package (EYFS) then please ask any member of Buzy Bees Staff or of course your child’s Keyperson.

How do we work?

Firstly, Buzy Bees has a 1:6 ratio; this means one adult to six children. All adults presently employed in Buzy Bees are trained or in the process of embarking on courses to ensure high standards of care for your child. We feel that young children must progress at their own rate, building on their own experiences. The adults working with them need to be sensitive to every individual child’s stage of development to help them move on from the standards they have already reached. Well organised and appealing play activities, combined with sensitive adult input is one of, if not the most effective means of ensuring learning.

Buzy Bees firmly believes that giving each child the opportunity to explore the world using their own senses with the freedom to experiment and come to their own conclusions without the fear of getting things “wrong” is a key factor to building confidence and enquiring minds.

We are Ofsted inspected – this means we provide a first class nursery education for your children. We adhere to strict rules and at the conclusion of our last Ofsted inspection we achieved a good standard. A copy of this inspection report is available from the pre-school.

We are always striving to improve the quality of education for your child. We do this by attending courses/training and by discussion between staff and the management committee. When necessary we engage the help of various relevant outside agencies.

Your child’s Keyperson:

A Keyperson is a member of staff assigned to your child. Their role is to record the development of their own “key” children. They are your first “port of call” if you have any worries about your child whilst they are at Buzy Bees. Just as important is your feedback to them. Anything you may have noticed about your child that you want to share, they will gladly record for you. The Keyperson will also share any information about your child that they have witnessed with you. We see the roles of both of us and the parent/carer as one team working to help your child reach their full potential.

Your Keyperson is chosen for your child usually in the first week that they attend Buzy Bees. They will help you settle your child and arrange a meeting with you to set up a development file to record their progress whilst they are with us. Your Keyperson will liaise with you throughout each term then meet with you regularly. Please feel free to talk to them about your child if you have concerns or if you just want to share some information.

Where do you fit in?

Everywhere!! Input from parents and carers is essential to each child’s time at Buzy Bees. It is up to you how much or how little you wish to be involved. All our staff will be happy to help in any way they can. The committee is open to all interested adults, any input is welcome, i.e fundraising ideas, secretarial skills, practical help, financial wizardry (grants and donations always need applying for) and of course, there is always the parents rota. For those of you wishing to see what goes on at Buzy Bees this is the ideal area to join in and have fun.

When can your child start?

When your child is exactly 2 years and 6 months they can start at Buzy Bees. No child will be refused entry. All children are considered equal and welcomed.