Our setting has been organised to enable children to explore their environment independently. They have access to all our resources and can choose what they want to do when they want to do it. The exciting outdoor environment provides as many learning opportunities as the indoors, and children have free flow access to both indoors and out for most of their sessions. The curriculum for children aged 0 to 5 years is called The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The themes of the EYFS are 'A Unique Child', 'An Enabling Environment', 'Learning and Developing' and 'Positive Relationships'. The strands of the EYFS all come together to lay the strong 'foundations' on which children will build their life long learning and well-being. 

In their early years children develop very quickly and they learn in different ways to older children. This requires expert understanding of children's unique ways of learning and developing. They learn most effectively through play; for example, through exploration, being active, copying, role play, first hand experiences, from each other and by trial and error. They also learn best by being involved in activities which interest them, which are self-chosen and which they enjoy, and by having time to explore and experiment at their own pace, this all leads to developing a positive attitude towards learning. At Acorns we aim to provide children with an environment and experiences to inspire, excite and encourage them to follow their own special interests and direct their own learning. They also learn how to interact with other children and adults socially, gaining confidence, self-esteem and a belief in their own abilities.

We welcome and value all parents as partners in educating their child and as the people who know them best, and we encourage parents' involvement in playgroup and their child's learning. Acorns are committed to supporting children to stay healthy and safe.

Our Ofsted report with the judgement of Outstanding, dated October 2011 can be seen at www.ofsted.gov.uk.

The mark-making area	Children can bake whenever they choose

Complaints Procedure - we always do our very best to resolve any complaints amicably. If you have any concerns about our provision, please discuss them with us if possible. If however you feel unable to do this, we have a complaints procedure which can be seen in our policies file. There is also a leaflet about how to complain to Ofsted on the parents' notice board in our cloakroom.