THE PLAY-BASED CURRICULUM (EYFS)
LANGUAGE
During your child’s curriculum at Umalas Kids Club, British English is the default language used in the classroom, outside, and during extra-curricular activities. However, since we are in Indonesia, we also incorporate Indonesian vocabulary and songs into our weekly schedule. It is mandatory for all of our teachers to communicate in English with children, staff, parents, and everyone else involved with the club.
We strongly believe that children learn best through play. Playful learning involves purposeful, facilitated, guided, or free play activities. Our play-based program aligns with the English National Curriculum (Early Years Foundation Stage) and the Key stages, which supports all aspects of learning and development in early childhood, from birth to five years old and beyond. It fosters their natural curiosity and desire to explore and make sense of the world around them, while also helping them discover that learning can be exciting and fun! This approach is of crucial importance and will inspire your children to become passionate learners for the rest of their lives.
The EYFS is based on four principles:
- A Unique Child
- Positive Relationships
- Enabling Environments
- Learning and Development
Following these essential principles, we decided to organise our structure into three different activities at the Umalas Kids Club, all educational, and related to the EYFS program:
- Early learning playgroups (6 months to 3 Years old)
- Preschool (3 Years old to 6 Years old)
- Daycare (all ages)
Our programme is crafted to enrich children’s play experiences, integrating learning goals through strategic, thoughtful planning. We believe in learning through play, employing a variety of activities that engage multiple intelligences and senses.
Research shows young children learn best by doing and communicating. These hands-on experiences help them develop vital physical, social, emotional, and intellectual skills, while also fostering interaction with peers and adults.
Our curriculum covers seven key areas of development, with a focus on sparking curiosity, building relationships, and nurturing a love for learning.
The 7 Areas of Learning in the EYFS Curriculum
Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
The EYFS supports children in building confidence, self-awareness, and social skills. By engaging in group activities, they learn how to manage their emotions, form positive relationships, and respect themselves and others, laying the groundwork for future social interactions.
Communication and Language
Children are immersed in a language-rich environment, helping them to develop speaking and listening skills. The curriculum encourages them to express their thoughts clearly, through everyday conversations, storytelling, songs, and role play.
Physical Development
The EYFS promotes physical health and development by encouraging movement and exploration. It focuses on refining both fine and gross motor skills, improving coordination, and fostering an understanding of healthy habits.
Literacy
Developing early literacy skills is key, as children are introduced to phonics, letters, and sounds. The curriculum nurtures a love of reading and writing through handling books, learning to recognise words, and exploring stories.
Mathematics
Mathematics in the EYFS involves learning about numbers, shapes, and basic problem-solving. Through playful activities, children develop skills in counting, simple addition and subtraction, and recognising patterns.
Understanding the World
Children are encouraged to explore and understand the world around them, learning about different cultures, environments, and technologies. This area helps them develop a curiosity about people, communities, and nature through hands-on experiences.
Expressive Arts and Design
Creativity is at the heart of the EYFS, with children exploring various forms of expression through art, music, dance, and role play. They are provided with opportunities to experiment with different materials, developing imagination and creative skills.
