Nursery Curriculum
We believe that young children learn best while at play. This means that our children are given the opportunity to engage in independent learning activities every day.
These are based on the areas of learning outlined in the guidance document called Development Matters in Education Early Years Framework. We design an environment that allows children to access the full range of the curriculum, ensuring that every moment of their day counts towards their development. If you would like any further information regarding the school’s curriculum, please speak with the class teacher. Our day starts with self-registration, giving children the opportunity to recognise their own name and enjoy some early responsibility. They then move into independent learning where they can explore the range activities around the classroom. These activities include:Independent learning activities
- Reading corner
- Graphic/writing opportunities
- Sand
- Water
- Creative space
- Malleable/sensory areas
- Small world
- Maths
- Construction
- Role-play corner
We move down to the carpet and begin with Christian meditation, where children learn to still their minds and bodies ready to learn. We then move either into a Literacy, Phonics or Maths session. These sessions are fun and interactive, inviting children to share their ideas, developing their communication and language skills. During this time, we discuss the expectations and boundaries in nursery which helps children to feel happy and secure and build confidence. Independent learning includes both inside and outside activities, which cater to each area of the curriculum. Children are free to go in and out as they please and have access to fresh fruit and vegetables whenever they are ready for a snack. For many, this is the highlight of their day, as they develop their creativity, social and motor skills in an exciting and engaging way. Our outside area features:Being inside and outside
- Mud Kitchen
- Performance Area
- Climbing Frame
- Construction Shed
- Herb garden
- Bicycles and scooters
- Messy area
- Writing zone
- Play houses
- Sand pit
- Water wall and tray
- Reading Den
- Maths zone
During independent learning, we interact with our children, encouraging them to deepen their understanding and develop skills. We take photos and write observations to document your child’s progress, which informs our future planning and determines their next steps. These photos and observations are made available to parents in a secure online format. Each child has a key worker, that gets to know them and ensures we provide the best learning experience possible. In the course of a typical nursery week, children will participate in the following:A varied week
- Independent learning activities
- Cookery
- Forest School
- Phonics
- Maths and Literacy sessions
- Whittington Bear
- Show and Tell
- R.E.
- Book borrowing
- Homework
- Technology
- Meditation
- Five-a-Day Fitness
- Story time
- Singing and dancing
- Prayer
Our children are eager to come to nursery, happily walking through the gate to explore the stimulating activities available to them. They build wonderful friendships – as we say ‘Everyone is friends with everyone at nursery!’ We look forward to working with you to provide your child with the best start to their learning journey.The best start
Homework
