Early Learning and Development Programme and Curriculum for Wales Q&As
They are at the heart of everything we do as they are embedded into our five domains. The four core purposes are:
- Ambitious, capable learners
- Enterprising, creative contributors
- Ethical, informed citizens
- Healthy, confident individuals
These outcomes are achieved through the ELDP’s five underpinning principles, which place children at the centre of learning. Children are encouraged to become active participants, build on their previous experiences, develop independence through play, express their ideas and opinions, and feel safe, respected and valued.
By following the ELDP, we’re helping children develop the knowledge, skills and foundations that the Curriculum for Wales identifies as essential for lifelong learning.
How do you decide what children learn and when?
The ELDP identifies developmental milestones that support children’s progress from birth to five years.
Using our knowledge of child development, we plan learning experiences, enabling environments and focused teaching that help children make progress towards these milestones.
Our planning is flexible and responsive. EYPs observe children’s interests, achievements and next steps and use these to shape learning, while ensuring children experience the breadth of learning expected within the Curriculum for Wales and in turn the ELDP.
How are the six Areas of Learning and Experience connected in everyday learning?
The Curriculum for Wales recognises that learning is interconnected and should not be taught as isolated subjects.
Similarly, the ELDP organises learning through five developmental domains which bring together the knowledge, skills and experiences found across all six Areas of Learning and Experience.
Children therefore develop holistically through playful opportunities.
How do you ensure children develop literacy, numeracy and digital skills across the curriculum?
Within the ELDP, these skills are woven throughout children’s everyday learning rather than being taught separately. EYPs carefully plan opportunities for children to communicate, solve problems, use mathematical thinking and explore digital technology in meaningful contexts across all areas of learning.
This helps children develop confidence and apply these essential skills naturally as they play and learn.
How are the Welsh language and Welsh culture embedded throughout learning?
Promoting the Welsh language and culture is an important expectation of the Curriculum for Wales.
The ELDP supports this by creating language-rich environments where Welsh is used naturally alongside English throughout the day. EYPs model Welsh words and phrases during routines, conversations, songs, stories and play.
Children also learn about Welsh traditions, celebrations, stories, music, history and the local area, helping them develop a sense of belonging and identity within Wales.
How do you help children understand their local community, Wales and the wider world?
Children learn best through first-hand experiences.
The ELDP encourages children to explore their local community through visits, visitors and outdoor learning. Experiences such as visiting parks, libraries, museums and local businesses, or meeting community members such as police officers, firefighters and healthcare professionals, help children understand the world around them.
Stories, celebrations, music and conversations also introduce children to different cultures, communities and ways of life, helping them become curious, respectful and informed citizens.
What does a typical day or week look like for my child?
Each day provides a balance of child-led play, adult-guided learning, outdoor learning, group experiences and opportunities for quiet reflection.
EYPs carefully observe children’s interests and developmental needs, using the ELDP to plan experiences that support development across all areas of learning identified within the Curriculum for Wales.
Although no two days are exactly the same, every week offers children opportunities to explore, investigate, create, communicate, move, solve problems and develop positive relationships.
How much learning is adult-led as opposed to child-led?
The ELDP recognises that young children learn best when they are curious and actively involved in their learning.
Many learning experiences begin with children’s interests, questions and discoveries. EYPs extend these through thoughtful planning, introducing new vocabulary, ideas and skills while ensuring children experience the breadth of learning expected within the Curriculum for Wales.
The ELDP helps EYPs know when to observe, when to guide and when to teach, creating the right balance for each child’s stage of development.
How do you make learning engaging and meaningful?
Learning is most effective when it is meaningful to children.
Using the ELDP, EYPs build on children’s interests, previous experiences and developmental stage to create rich learning opportunities indoors, outdoors and within the local community.
This ensures children remain motivated, curious and actively involved in their learning while making progress across all aspects of the Curriculum for Wales.
How do you know whether children are making good progress?
The ELDP provides clear developmental milestones that help EYPs understand how children are progressing.
How do you assess learning?
Assessment is continuous and happens through children’s everyday play, conversations, interactions and experiences to form our assessments and enable EYPs to know how to support children’s next steps in learning.
How will you keep families informed about their child's progress?
We believe families are children’s first educators. We will share observations via our app, feedback at collection and family meetings, which take place twice per year.
How do you support children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN)?
Early identification and partnership with families are central to our approach.
We adapt teaching, environments and resources to meet children’s needs and work closely with other professionals where appropriate, ensuring every child can access the curriculum and make meaningful progress.
How does the curriculum develop creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving?
Children develop these skills through exploration, investigation and open-ended play.
Practitioners encourage children to ask questions, test ideas, solve problems, take appropriate risks and reflect on their learning. These experiences support the Four Purposes and prepare children for future learning.
How do you promote children’s well-being alongside academic learning?
Well-being is fundamental to learning.
The ELDP recognises that children learn best when they feel safe, secure and emotionally supported. Positive relationships, physical activity, outdoor play and opportunities to make choices all contribute to children’s confidence, resilience and emotional well-being.
How do you help children become independent and confident learners?
Children are encouraged to make choices, solve problems, persevere and reflect on their achievements.
EYPs provide the right balance of support and challenge so children gradually become increasingly independent, resilient and confident learners.
How can families support learning at home?
Families make an enormous contribution to children’s learning.
Simple everyday activities such as reading together, talking, cooking, playing games, singing songs and exploring outdoors all reinforce the learning that takes place within the ELDP.
Are there opportunities for parents and carers to be involved in curriculum activities?
Yes. We regularly invite families to take part in workshops, stay-and-play sessions, celebrations and special events. We also welcome parents and carers sharing their interests, experiences and expertise to enrich children’s learning.
What makes your curriculum unique to your school and local community?
The Curriculum for Wales gives schools and settings the freedom to design a curriculum that reflects the children and communities they serve.
The ELDP provides the curriculum framework we use to deliver the Curriculum for Wales, while allowing us to respond to our local community, our families and the interests and needs of our children.
Our Early Years Professionals (EYPs) use the ELDP’s principles to create meaningful learning experiences that support children’s learning, development and well-being in a way that’s relevant to their lives.
Get in touch today
We are confident you will appreciate our nursery, its setting and facilities. Should you wish to visit, we are available at any time to meet with you. Any comments or input from parents are always welcome.
Opening Times
We are open 8.30am - 3.30pm
Porthcawl
Banana Moon Day Nursery, South Road
Porthcawl
CF36 3DG
info@bananamoon-porthcawl.co.uk
Unable to load video...