Aims and Ethos

The future starts here in developing

Independent

Thoughtful

Creative

Caring children

General Statement of Philosophy

The importance of a child’s first years in school cannot be over-emphasised as they will probably influence their long term attitude towards learning and school.  Our aim at Wigwam therefore is to create a warm, caring environment which is like an extension of the child’s home.  Our main intention is to encourage the complete development of the child in a situation which promotes learning and helps them to mature into loving independent thoughtful individuals.  As we plan the curriculum and the general organisation of the school which is appropriate for these young children, we have considered every aspect of their development.

Personal, Social and Health Education

We aim to enable each child to develop as an individual, seeing the part he has to play, to learn the self-discipline he needs to control his behaviour and to appreciate and respond to the needs of others.

Communication, Language and Literacy

We aim to encourage the child to be interested in learning by giving him rich experiences which will help develop his vocabulary and his confidence in expressing himself.  Language is central to the development of the mind, and a child needs to learn to communicate with others about his feelings, needs, ideas and experiences.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

We aim to provide the basis of a solid foundation for Numeracy and the important aspects of mathematical understanding from practical experience through to simple recording tasks. We encourage them to identify problems, investigate and find solutions.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

We aim to focus on developing children’s knowledge and understanding of their immediate and relative environment by providing a foundation for historical, geographical and technological learning.

Physical Development

We aim to enable the child to use and control his body with confidence and increasing skill both in fine and gross motor skills in both indoor and outdoor environments as well as establishing positive attitudes towards a healthy and active way of life.

Creative Development

We aim to encourage the child to enjoy and explore creative and expressive activities leading them to develop the ability to communicate and express ideas and feelings in creative ways.

Equal Opportunities

We aim to provide an environment whereby each child, regardless of sex, race, language or ability has the same opportunity to experience the whole curriculum offered in Wigwam.  To this effect careful planning should cater for girls and boys generally, including those who learn more quickly or slowly, any children with special educational needs and any children for whom English is an additional language.

The needs of children under five

The age groups we have in Wigwam have particular needs that we are very aware of as we deal with them.

The need for love, security, praise and recognition

It is such a big step for a young child to leave his/her parents and it is our duty to make sure that the new surroundings are safe, consistent and loving.  We must respect each child as a unique individual.

The need for new experiences

The growth of a child’s knowledge depends on his experiences.

“Knowledge starts through experiences and not by words” (Pestalozzi) and the quality of language used in these contexts are vital.  Children learn so much through play to control their bodies, to master objects used, and through these activities and the language that arises from them, they develop mentally.  But we also feel that it is important to introduce them at an early stage to sitting downs and concentrating on numbers and letters, colours and shapes etc., and start working alongside them, in a cosy one to one situation at first, as a child would at home with his mother.

The need for responsibility

Within a friendly child-led environment the children will learn to be responsible for their actions and to be aware of others.  As the children in Wigwam mature and develop they will become more independent, and we hope that their time with us will be an appropriate preparation for their transition to primary school.