Nursery Curriculum & Planning

In Nursery, we believe that how children learn is just as important as what they learn. Young children make sense of the world through real, hands-on experiences, and our planning is designed to support this natural curiosity and exploration. We offer a wide range of opportunities that promote each child’s development, with activities carefully tailored to meet their individual needs and interests. Our planning is closely aligned with the Curricular Guidance for Pre-School (2018), which focuses on six key areas of learning:

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development
• Physical Development & Movement
• Language Development
• The Arts
• Early Mathematical Experiences
• World Around Us

In our Nursery, learning is delivered in a holistic and engaging way. Children are immersed in meaningful experiences and hands-on activities that support development across all areas of the pre-school curriculum. These are carefully planned to spark curiosity, encourage independence, and nurture creativity. To the casual observer, it may  look simply like play but, in fact, it is serious learning for young children!

These include:

• Imaginative Play - role play scenarios such as the home, hospital, shop, hairdressers, post office, outdoor playhouse, performing stage, and themed prop boxes encourage storytelling, empathy, and social interaction.
• Natural Materials - children explore water, damp and dry sand, water, bark, soil, dough, clay and woodwork tools, which develops sensory awareness, fine motor skills, and early scientific thinking
• Art & Design - creative activities including painting, printing, drawing, collage, and junk modelling, allowing children to express themselves and explore different textures and techniques
• Construction - we offer a wide range of large and small construction toys, along with loose parts such as crates, planks, and tyres, to promote problem-solving, collaboration and spatial awareness.
• Tabletop & Floor Play - children engage with mathematical and language games, matching and sorting tasks, board games, jigsaws and fine manipulation toys to build early literacy and numeracy skills.
• Small World Play - miniature settings such as garages, dolls’ houses, farms, woodlands, and zoos help children develop storytelling, sequencing and imaginative thinking.
• Musical Equipment – a variety of percussion and simple tuned instruments, along with recorded music and our outdoor music wall, help children explore rhythm, sound patterns, and self-expression.
• Literacy Resources - reading and writing materials are available throughout the setting, with dedicated spaces like the book corner and writing area to support early literacy and mark-making.
• Cookery - baking and cooking activities introduce early science and technology concepts, while also encouraging teamwork and following instructions.
• The Natural World - children grow plants indoors and outdoors, observe living things, and explore weather and seasonal changes, which builds a deeper understanding of their environment.
• Large Physical Play - climbing frames, balancing equipment, rockers, wheeled toys, tunnels, balls, and bats support physical development, coordination, and confidence.
• ICT - children use an interactive smartboard, PCs, iPads, MP3 players and programmable toys to explore technology in age-appropriate and creative ways.

Monitoring & Assessment

To ensure every child is making steady progress across all areas of development, our Nursery staff carry out regular observations, both spontaneous and planned, throughout the year. These observations enable us to build detailed assessment profiles to capture each child’s learning journey. We share this information with parents during two scheduled interviews, one at the end of October and another in mid-February. At the end of the school year, parents receive transition reports, which are also shared with the Year 1 teachers to support a smooth and informed move into the primary school. Our Nursery team maintains excellent links with the wider school staff, helping to ensure continuity and confidence for children as they progress.

Special Educational Needs

We are committed to supporting every child’s individual needs and work closely with a range of professionals involved in children’s care and development. As well as our link Health Visitor, these include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists. In accordance with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice, Pupil Learning Plans are drawn up for children who need additional support in areas e.g. speech, language and communication, ASD or social, emotional and behavioural issues. These plans are reviewed each term by class teachers and the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), who is kept fully informed of each child’s progress. We encourage parents to share any concerns, no matter how small, so we can work together to best support their child’s development and wellbeing. Open communication helps us identify and address potential challenges early, ensuring every child has the best possible start.