Descriptions of Early Years provision.

What follows is a set of descriptions of the things about which children aged four and five should learn. Through this learning, they will develop the skills and attitudes they need to work towards the IPC learning goals at Milepost 1. The point at which children actually start working towards the Milepost 1 goals will depend on their individual circumstances and needs. It will also depend on the professional judgement of their teachers. Most children will probably start this process around the age of five or six years. It is important for the long term, however, that before doing so they have experienced the sort of learning described here. That will help to establish a firm foundation on which their continuing education can build. The learning of children aged four to five is described in four strands: 1. Independence and interdependence This strand focuses to a large extent on the children’s personal goals and their relationships with other children 2. Communicating This strand is primarily about developing skills in communication including speaking and listening, reading and writing, early numeracy work and the expressive arts 3. Exploring Through this strand the children’s skills in inquiry are developed 4. Healthy living. Using the statements within this strand children are encouraged to understand how to look after themselves and each other