The Primary Years Programme defines the early childhood years as those from three to five years. These years are distinctive in several ways. Physical, social, emotional, intellectual and aesthetic development is rapid and significant. The progression occurs at varying rates and therefore reflects the uniqueness of each child. Children's development and learning are defined by the experiences they have in a variety of social and cultural contexts - the family and the home; the school environment, the children and adults within it; and the surrounding community. The young child engages with the world in a direct and interactive manner, and the Early Years' Programme encourages an active learning approach through which children construct meaning from experience about the social and physical world that surrounds them.

At ISW we encourage the young children to explore, investigate and play in order to learn about themselves, other people and the world around them. We promote independence and responsibility so that they become active learners and provide opportunities for them to:

	Make choices and decisions
	Use materials in flexible and imaginative ways
	Initiate inquiry and ask questions
	Work collaboratively with others
	Sustain their interests and extend their knowledge
	Develop understanding of new concepts