Curriculum Policy

Introduction

In the planning of our curriculum and activities for our children we are working towards the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS is delivered through observation-based assessment and planning. 

Our ethos that underpins our planning is around what we call the 3 I’s:

  • Intent
  • Implement 
  • Impact

This simply means there is a reason for everything.

In developing our curriculum, we have 4 key principals that all staff work towards: 

  1. Our curriculum will be literacy rich.
  2. Our curriculum will offer all children the chance to experience awe and wonder, in order to meet their cultural capital needs.
  3. Our curriculum is linked to home learning and the wider community. 
  4. Our curriculum will be accessible to all.

To read our full curriculum policy, please see the link below:

Curriculum policy

What Planning Looks Like for Your Child in Nursery

Every child in our nursery has tailored half-termly next steps, created using our curriculum as guidance for expected development. We recognise that every child is unique, so when planning next steps we take a holistic approach to each child’s individual development. This ensures that every child is well known by our staff, particularly their key person. Working closely in partnership with parents, the key person supports and guides each child to achieve their next stages of learning.

We understand that children learn best when they are fully engaged and motivated. To support this, we regularly rotate nursery resources, refresh room layouts and reflect on our learning environments to keep them stimulating and inspiring.

Each half term, staff within your child’s room create Interest PLODs (Possible Lines of Development) based on your child’s current or emerging interests. These PLODs are then used to plan a range of engaging child- and adult-led activities linked to the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Activities are carefully planned to challenge children appropriately and prepare them for their next stages of learning.

Our children also benefit from being supported by talented, well-qualified and highly trained staff who introduce New Experiences. These half-termly topics allow children to explore new ideas, build knowledge and develop new skills.

Examples of our New Experiences include:

  • September / October: The Big Wide World Around Us & Autumn
  • November: Eco & Recycling
  • December: Christmas & Winter
  • January / February: All About Me, My Family & the Community
  • March to Easter: Spring & Easter
  • Easter to May: History / Land Before Time (Dinosaurs)
  • June / July: Healthy Bodies & People Who Help Us
  • August: Summer & Holidays

What You Can Expect to See as Parents

Each week, an observation of your child will be uploaded to Tapestry, including photos and/or videos. Your child’s key person will link these observations to Development Matters (a non-statutory framework) which supports the outcomes of the EYFS.

In addition, key persons complete detailed progress reports twice a year via Tapestry. These provide parents with a clear and holistic overview of their child’s development and progress throughout their time in nursery.