Curriculum

We are a Reform Jewish Kindergarten attached to the Synagogue where Jewish religion and culture are a living part of the daily curriculum. We celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat each Friday with blessings and songs. The Jewish festivals are celebrated as they occur through stories, music, drama, creative work and cookery- Parents and our Rabbi are often invited to attend.The staff plan the daily curriculum in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage and base this planning around a theme, either Jewish or secular which normally lasts for one or two weeks.Within the themes, there is often the opportunity for interactive sessions with professionals from the community. Where appropriate we take the children on outings to the farm, theatre or local places of interest.

When planning activities we pay particular attention to early Literacy, numeracy and the development of personal and social skills. The programme also ensures that the children are given a knowledge and understanding of the world around them as well as skills in creative and physical development which together will provide them with the foundations for later achievement. The curriculum is designed to meet each child's individual needs.

The activities we provide to promote the children's learning include:

• Arts and Crafts using a variety of mediums to encourage the children's creativity.
• Sand and Water play especially good for early mathematics and encouraging children to play alongside their peers.
• Book corner children are encouraged to look at picture and story books and talk about them. We have a library club where children may borrow a book on a weekly basis to take home.
• Home corner we have home corners equipped with dolls, furniture and household items where children can enjoy imaginative play and interact with their peers.
• Construction toys, puzzles, woodwork, threading and games, which all help co-ordination and teach children about shape, size, colour, number and position, in preparation for reading and writing.
• Cookery a favourite activity of the children, which is normally offered once a week.
• Music and movement great for the children's creativity and physical development - is taught with the use of music cassettes, instruments and piano.
• Outdoor play Children have daily open access to a secure playground and can usually use this freely throughout the morning. Children can use many resources to support all areas of the curriculum in the outside areas, including the use of bikes, balls, hoops and beanbags to extend their gross motor skills.