Our Learning Pathway
The Little GEMS International curriculum is unique in the way it uses the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum as a framework combining it with the GEMS Core Values and specially written programmes and unique approaches to learning based upon research and an understanding of early childhood development.
The curriculum is delivered through cross curricular topics including business links; selected published programmes and Little GEMS International bespoke programmes designed to promote cognitive development though movement, music, world languages, digi learning and Eco Adventurers.
The progress of each child is tracked using our unique Little GEMS International Assessment system. Assessments are used to inform planning and to ensure that the learning of each child is supported and challenged so that he or she makes maximum progress. Our ‘Learning Journey Booklets’ are regularly shared with parents so that a strong partnership with parents underpins the learning process.
There is a comprehensive Enrichment programme in all Little GEMS International settings, which enables our children to achieve to the very best of their abilities across all curriculum areas. Key workers develop excellent relationships with each child and consequently acquire a deep understanding of individual abilities and needs. Observation and detailed assessment enables our highly trained staff to identify children as gifted or talented in particular areas, whether children may need support with English as an additional language, or pinpoint signs of potential delay or disorder. This early identification is critical in planning and providing individual support, including liaison with external specialists and agencies if necessary.
There is a highly trained Enrichment Co-ordinator for each setting who oversees the provision and ensures all staff are kept up-to-date. As with all areas of the curriculum, parents are involved at every stage and provide valuable information about the needs of their children.
Six Areas of Learning
- personal, social and emotional development: supporting children to develop a positive sense of themselves and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups and to have confidence in their own abilities;
- physical development: providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive developing their coordination, balance, control, and movement; understanding the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food;
- communication, language and literacy; providing access to a wide range of reading materials – books, poems, and other written materials; providing opportunities for children to speak and listen in a range of situations and to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; encouraging and supporting children to read and write with confidence;
- mathematics: providing children with opportunities to explore, solve problems and to apply their knowledge; to practise and improve their skills in counting and calculating practically using addition/subtraction; multiplication/division; shape, space and measure including time and money;
- understanding the world: guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment;
- expressive arts and design: supporting children to explore, play and make things using a wide range of media and materials, providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.
