Curriculum, Learning and the Early Years Foundation Stage
Our Curriculum
Our 0–5 Years Curriculum is designed to nurture every stage of early childhood, from a baby’s first experiences to a child’s transition into school. Rooted in a play-based, child-centred approach, it supports the whole child—fostering emotional security, communication, curiosity, independence, and creativity.
We recognise that learning begins at birth. Through warm, responsive interactions and carefully planned experiences, babies develop secure attachments and explore the world through their senses. As children grow, our curriculum evolves with them—encouraging exploration, language development, social skills, and early problem-solving through meaningful play and discovery.
Across all age groups, children are supported in key areas including personal, social and emotional development, communication and language, early literacy and mathematics, understanding the world, expressive arts, and physical development. These areas are woven together through engaging concepts and themes and hands-on activities such as storytelling, creative play, outdoor exploration, and group learning experiences.
Our daily routines provide a balance of structure and flexibility, combining guided learning with child-led play. In a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment, children are encouraged to follow their interests, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
By the age of five, children leave us as confident, curious, and capable learners—ready to take their next steps into education and beyond.
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
🧩 Areas of Learning
Across all age groups, our curriculum includes:
- Personal, Social & Emotional Development
- Communication & Language
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts & Design
- Physical Development
These areas are interwoven through daily experiences and we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage.
🗓️ Concepts, Themes & Learning Experiences
We organise 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 & Progress
We assess children through:
- Observation during play
- Tracking developmental milestones
- Wellcomm
- Conversations with families
🤝 Working in Partnership with 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 & 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.