Our Nursery curriculum is firmly rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and is carefully designed to support the development of the whole child. We value each child as a unique learner and ensure our provision nurtures their curiosity, confidence and independence through high‑quality early learning experiences.

Children learn through the seven areas of learning, which are delivered through a thoughtful balance of child‑initiated play and skilfully modelled adult interaction. This approach allows children to explore their own interests while benefiting from adults who extend learning through questioning, modelling language, and introducing new ideas and skills.

Prime Areas of Learning

The Prime Areas are fundamental to children’s development and underpin all future learning:

  • Communication and Language
    We provide rich opportunities for children to develop their speaking and listening skills through conversations, songs, stories, role‑play and small‑group activities. These experiences build vocabulary, confidence in expressing ideas, and the ability to listen and respond to others.

  • Physical Development
    Children are encouraged to be active every day, developing gross motor skills such as running, climbing and balancing, alongside fine motor control through activities like mark‑making, threading and using tools. These experiences support coordination, strength and readiness for writing.

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
    We place a strong emphasis on helping children develop self‑awareness, build positive relationships and manage their emotions. Through routines, play and adult guidance, children learn to share, cooperate, show resilience and develop a positive sense of self.

Specific Areas of Learning

The Specific Areas support children to build upon the Prime Areas and deepen their learning:

  • Literacy
    Children develop a love of books, stories and songs, alongside early reading and writing skills. Opportunities include sharing texts, exploring sounds and rhymes, and making marks for a variety of purposes.

  • Mathematics
    Learning in mathematics is embedded through play and everyday experiences. Children explore number, counting, shape, pattern, size and measure, developing problem‑solving skills and early mathematical understanding.

  • Understanding the World
    Children are supported to make sense of their physical world and community. They explore nature, talk about past and present events, learn about different people and cultures, and engage with simple technology.

  • Expressive Arts and Design
    Creativity is celebrated through art, music, movement, role‑play and imaginative play. Children are encouraged to explore materials, experiment with ideas and express themselves confidently.

Characteristics of Effective Learning

We observe and support how children learn, not just what they learn, through the three Characteristics of Effective Learning:

  • Playing and Exploring – children investigate, experience things first‑hand and develop curiosity.
  • Active Learning – children concentrate, persevere and gain satisfaction from achieving their goals.
  • Creating and Thinking Critically – children develop their own ideas, make connections and problem‑solve.

Assessment and Partnership with Families

Children’s learning and progress are observed and captured using EvidenceMe, which allows us to document significant moments in each child’s learning journey. This enables us to assess development effectively and share meaningful updates with families, strengthening the partnership between home and school and celebrating children’s achievements together.