The Characteristics of Effective Learning

At Pinewood Family Group Pre-school, we prioritise children's well-being over all else.  If children do not feel safe, secure and happy, it will be difficult for them to become engaged with the learning on offer.  There are a number of things that we provide to help children feel settled.  These include skilful and supportive key workers, exciting indoor and outdoor learning spaces, resources that are easily accessible, consistent boundaries/routines and long periods of 'Discovery Time' that give children autonomy over their learning.  It is critical that these things are in place for children to become deeply engaged, demonstrate the characteristics of effective learning and make the best progress.  The three characteristics are:  

• Playing & Exploring: children investigate & explore things and are willing to have go
• Active Learning: children concentrate, keep on trying when they encounter difficulties & enjoy their achievements
• Creating & Thinking Critically: children have ideas, make links & develop their own ways of doing things

Development Matters defines them as 'the way in which the child engages with other people and their environment...and underpin learning and development across all areas.'  Our provision places great emphasis on the characteristics and we closely monitor how children engage with their environment as part of our ongoing assessment.  

At parent/carer consultations we report on the characteristics.  We make regular observations of them in our interactions with the children.  Your view of your child's characteristics are also sought at home visits.  More information can be found on pages 13-19 of Development Matters.  To view this document, please click on the link below: