Curriculum, Learning and the Early Years Foundation Stage
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is built around our ethos
- Achieve • Belong • Thrive
Our curriculum is sequenced developmentally, allowing us to respond flexibly to children’s interests, developmental stages and individual needs while ensuring clear progression toward school readiness.
Curriculum Intent
At Little Monkeys Charlbury, children will:
- Develop secure relationships and emotional wellbeing
- Become confident communicators
- Explore through curiosity, play and investigation
- Build independence and resilience
- Develop physically, socially and cognitively
- Gain the knowledge and skills needed for a successful transition to school
The curriculum follows the EYFS and is underpinned by:
- Play-based learning
- High-quality interactions
- Outdoor exploration
- Language-rich environments
- Inclusive practice
- Child-centred teaching
Curriculum Principles
Prime Areas Lead Learning
The curriculum prioritises:
- Personal, Social & Emotional Development
- Communication & Language
- Physical Development
These form the foundation for all later learning.
Specific Areas Build Gradually
As children develop, teaching increasingly supports:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts & Design
Learning is Sequential
Children revisit concepts repeatedly through increasingly complex experiences.
Children Learn Through:
- Exploration
- Repetition
- Relationships
- Play
- Modelling
- Real-life experiences
- Sustained shared thinking
Whole nursery curriculum threads
These curriculum threads run continuously from 0-5 years
Communication - children will develop vocabulary, listening, conversation and storytelling
Emotional Wellbeing- children will develop self-regulation, confidence and resilience
Physical Development- children will develop gross and fine motor control
Independence - children will develop self-care, decision-making and responsibility
Curiosity - children will develop exploration, questioning and investigation
Relationships - children will develop empathy, kindness and cooperation
Creativity - children will develop imagination, music, art and role play
Outdoor Learning - children will develop risk-taking, problem-solving and nature awareness
Our Curriculum by age
👶0–12 Months: Discover & Connect
Focus: Attachment, sensory exploration, early movement
Children are supported to:
· Build secure relationships
· Explore through senses
· Develop early communication
· Begin physical movement
· Develop early thinking and curiosity
🚼 1–2 Years: Explore & Express
Focus: First words, independence, curiosity
Children are supported to:
· Begin walking and exploring
· Use early language
· Show independence and develop social connections
· Engage in simple play
· Begin to express themselves creatively
· Develop early thinking and problem-solving
🧒 2–3 Years: Communicate & Socialise
Focus: Language growth, early friendships
Children are supported to:
· Develop their language skills and confidence in communication.
· Develop social awareness and build on social skills
· Express emotions and begin to understand others
· Engage in imaginative and cooperative play
· Begin problem-solving
🧠 3–5 Years: Learn, Discover, Prepare and Grow
Focus: Early learning foundations
Children are supported to:
· Develop vocabulary and communicate clearly and confidently.
· Learn through play and exploration
· Think, reason, question and solve problems
· Work and play with others cooperatively
· Express themselves and be creative
· Develop independence, confidence and self-care
Character Development
Children are explicitly taught and supported to develop:
- Kindness
- Respect
- Curiosity
- Confidence
- Resilience
- Independence
- Cooperation
These behaviours are modelled and reinforced consistently through daily interactions.
Concepts, themes and learning experiences.
We plan learning around engaging concepts such as:
- Magical Me
- The big wide world
- Once upon a time
- Let's celebrate
- Ready, Steady, Grow
- All creatures great and small
These concepts help children make meaningful connections across all areas of learning.
Our approach to teaching
We believe children learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and inspired. Our approach includes:
- Play-based learning
- Following children’s interests
- Positive relationships with adults
- Encouragement and praise
- Hands-on, real-world experiences
Assessment and Progress
We assess children through:
- Observation during play
- Tracking developmental milestones
- Wellcomm
- Conversations with families
Working in partnership with parents and families
We value strong partnerships with parents and carers. We:
- Share regular updates on progress
- Encourage open communication
- Support learning at home
- Celebrate each child’s journey together
Inclusion and wellbeing
We are committed to:
- Creating an inclusive environment for all
- Respecting diversity and individuality
- Supporting emotional wellbeing
- Ensuring every child feels safe and valued
Our Commitment
At our nursery, every decision is guided by our core values:
Achieve • Belong • Thrive
We are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children feel confident, supported, and inspired—ready to take their next steps in learning and life.