The Nursery Curriculum

Within the group, all children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace. Our keyperson system enables us to ensure a planned curriculum tailored to the needs of each individual child. By means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of individual adult input, we offer a curriculum which leads to nationally approved learning outcomes.Children continue with this early learning, the Early Years Foundation Stage, during their time in reception class when they move on to "big school". The Foundation Stage is currently under review and due to change in September 2012.

 

Personal, social and emotional development

Children are individually supported in developing confidence within a nurturing environment. They are given the opportunity to explore their own personal, social and emotional development, and that of others, through building strong relationships with both staff and peer groups. Through activities, conversation and practical example, they learn acceptable ways to express their own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others. Children are given the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and develop a positive self image.This area of development underpins the ability to fulfil a persons potential in both personal and professional spheres. It is therefore a key area of development when working with babies and young children. This area of learning includes the following aspects

• Dispositions and Attitudes
• Self confidence and Self-esteem
• Making Relationships 
• Behaviour and Self-control
• Self-care
• Sense of Community 

Communication, language and literacy

The Nursery provides opportunities to develop, extend and enrich the skills of communication to enable each child to function effectively as a member of society.Being able to communicate and then later be able to read and write are life skills which begin at birth and require significant adult input.  Role-play, rhyme and musical activities, books and practical experiences are all used to allow children to develop in this area.  This area of learning includes the following aspects

• Language for Communication
• Language for Thinking
• Linking Sounds and Letters
• Reading
• Writing
• Handwriting 

Due to our close working links with the Children's Centre we have ease of access to Speech and Language Therapists. One of our staff members is an Early Language Lead Practitioner.

Problem solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

Children are introduced to sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities, which form the basis for early mathematics. As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, they are assisted to learn and use the vocabulary of mathematics, identifying objects by shape, position, size, volume and number.This area will help babies and young childrentake the first steps towards learning about mathematics by helping them to develop confidence and thinking skills. Songs, games and picture books help children become aware of number sequences and, when they are ready, to use simple mathematical operations such as adding.

The aspects included in this area of learning are

• Numbers as Labels and for counting
• Calculating
• Shape, Space and Measures 

 

Knowledge and understanding of the world

Knowledge and Understanding of the World is about helping children to learn and explore their immeadiate world and the people within it. later it will link into early science, ICT, design and technology and humanities. A safe and stimulating environment allows the children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials, using all their senses. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patters and similarities, and to share and record their findings. Children are encouraged to become aware of differences in gender, ethnicity, language, religion and culture.

Aspects included in this area of learning are

• Exploration and Investigation
• Designing and Making
• ICT
• Time
• Place
• Communities 

 

Physical development

Physical Development underpins many other skills that babies and children need in order to fulfil their potential. A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, allows the children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own bodily skills. A very high level of adult supervision enables children safely to create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skill and control moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are supported in the development of the fine motor skills required to use tools, including pens and pencils, and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision. The children are encouraged to be health conscious and to be aware of the effects on the body of food and exercise.

There are 3 aspects to this area of learning

• Movement and Space
• Health and Bodily Awareness
• Using Equipment and Materials 

 

Creative development

Creativity is a life skill as well as a method of self expression. Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own ideas and feeling and to construct their individual response to experience in two and three dimensions. Art equipment, including paint, glue, crayons and pencils as well as natural and discarded resources, provides for open-ended exploration of colour, shape and texture and the development of skills in painting, drawing and collage. Children join in with and respond to music and stories, and there are many opportunities for imaginative role-play, both individually and as part of a group. This area of learning includes the following aspects

• Being Creative - Responding to Experiences, Expressing and Communicating
• Exploring Media and Materials
• Creating Music and Dance
• Developing Imagination and Imaginative Play