Curriculum

As part of our curriculum, we put particular focus on supporting the children to become school ready, alongside our values that are woven through our everyday practice, creating strong foundations for future learning.

Our Values

Learning Through Play Following Children’s Interests Scaffolding Learning Building Independence Creating Confident, Curious Learners

Our Curriculum Intent

Our curriculum is designed to give every child the strongest possible foundations for learning. We focus on developing independence, communication, confidence and curiosity. Skills that support children not only as they move into school, but throughout their lives. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and place particular emphasis on the Prime Areas of Learning, as these underpin all future development. Areas of Learning (EYFS) We support children’s development across all seven areas:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

We weave the Characteristics of Effective Learning throughout everything we do, helping children to:

• Play and explore
• Be active, motivated learners
• Think creatively and critically

Our aim is to have a focus on the prime areas of learning (in bold above) in all we do, as these three areas support all other areas and will continue to do so through school and later life. You can learn more about the EYFS and the characteristics of effective learning here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dVbg8EakyeG-UIyXVi1c4aqSLgHFPOGy/view?usp=drive_link

What We Aim for All Children

We support children to develop the skills they need to be confident, capable and ready for their next steps. This includes helping them to:  Communicate and Interact

• Express their needs and feelings
• Understand and follow simple instructions and routines
• Build positive relationships with peers and adults

 Personal Independence

• Manage self‑care (toileting, dressing, handwashing)
• Eat and drink independently
• Understand boundaries and expectations

 Social and Emotional Skills

• Share, take turns and play cooperatively
• Sit and engage for an age‑appropriate amount of time in groups or 1:1
• Develop confidence, resilience and emotional understanding

 

 Early Learning Foundations

• Hold a pencil and make age‑appropriate, controlled marks
• Handle books correctly and show interest in stories
• Explore early number, pattern and problem‑solving skills

Settling In and Getting to Know Your Child

When a child joins our setting, we take time to build strong, trusting relationships with them and their family. We do this by:

• Gathering information through an All About Me form
• Talking with parents about interests, routines, and development
• Observing the child as they play and interact
• Using this information to plan meaningful next steps
• Our keyperson and buddy system

We use the EYFS as guidance to support each child’s unique learning journey.

How We Plan Learning

Our curriculum is flexible, responsive and child‑focused. We use:  In-the-Moment Planning Most of our planning happens in response to children’s interests, needs and ideas. This keeps learning meaningful, engaging and joyful. Continuous Provision We provide a rich, well‑resourced environment that children can explore freely. We adapt and enhance resources based on:

• Children’s interests
• Observations
• Next steps
• Parental input
• Levels of engagement

 

Celebrations and Topics

Throughout the year, we explore a range of celebrations, traditions and seasonal themes to broaden children’s understanding of the world.

Core Stories We Explore

We revisit key stories across the year to deepen understanding, vocabulary and enjoyment. Examples include:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
• The Tiger Who Came to Tea
• Superpotato
• Aliens Love Underpants
• Goldilocks and the Three Bears

These texts support language development, comprehension, creativity and emotional literacy.

Songs and Rhymes

We sing daily, using a wide range of interactive songs and rhymes. Singing supports all seven areas of learning, including communication, memory, rhythm, social skills and early literacy.

Our Curriculum Impact

We believe that before children can read, write or engage in more complex maths, they need strong foundations in communication, physical development and emotional wellbeing. Our role is to nurture these foundations so that every child can flourish. Each child’s journey is unique. We tailor our approach to ensure that learning is bespoke, meaningful and developmentally appropriate.