Here, at Bere Regis Primary and Pre-school, we understand that a child’s early experiences are of the utmost importance as they lay the foundations upon which all other learning will be based. We aim to ensure that we provide this for every child through a nurturing environment, exciting learning opportunities and promoting the development of a ‘can do’ attitude. We endeavour to provide a rich curriculum and purposeful play opportunities, in order to foster a lifelong love of learning and support the social development and emotional well-being of our children.

Four overarching principles will shape our practice:

• Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
• Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
• Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the school and parents.
• Learning and development is important. Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

Through our high-quality early years provision, we promote and teach the following skills and values, which link to our whole school virtues and the Characteristics of Effective Learning (see implementation):

• Effective communication
• Self-regulation (Reflection and Self-discipline)
• Positive play (Fairness, Patience and Kindness)
• Friendships (Unity, Forgiveness and Honesty)
• Inquisitiveness and Problem solving (Courage)
• Respect for others and our environment (Gratitude, Respect and Responsibility)
• A ‘can do’ attitude and resilience when faced with challenges (Resilience and determination)