Learning in nURSERY
The Early Years Foundation Stage
The provision for children’s development and learning is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Our provision reflects the four overarching principles of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
A Unique Child
Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Positive Relationships
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
Enabling Environments
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners, parents and carers.
Learning and Development
Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in Early Years provision including children with special educational needs and disabilities.
How we provide for development and learning
Our early years setting offers a thoughtfully designed learning environment with a range of play-based activities. These activities are carefully structured and cater to the individual interests and learning needs identified for each child. Encompassing all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), these enriching experiences are facilitated by teachers and also emerge from the children's own creative ideas. Throughout their day, children have ample opportunities to discover, explore, observe, and create within this high-quality learning space. Recognising the value of diverse learning styles, our setting actively promotes both indoor and outdoor play, ensuring all interests are nurtured. The curriculum is aligned with the Early Learning Goals outlined in the EYFS, which define the expected developmental milestones by the end of the Reception year. To support this, the setting utilises Development Matters as a guide to understand children's progress and plan effective learning experiences.
Learning through play
Young children learn and think through play. We use EYFS guidance to plan varied play activities that support their development in all areas, with both child-led and adult-guided options, using resources informed by the EYFS.
Characteristics of effective learning
We understand that all children engage with other people and their environment through the characteristics of effective learning that are described in the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance as:
- playing and exploring – engagement
- active learning – motivation
- creating and thinking critically – thinking.
Observations: We closely observe children daily to plan their next learning steps. Your input is vital for a complete picture of their learning. We provide resources showing observation areas and examples, which you can add to Evidence Me to track their progress.
Assessment: Our curriculum aims for children to achieve Early Learning Goals (ELGs) and a 'Good Level of Development' by the end of EYFS. Teachers, children, and parents assess through observations and interactions, recorded in learning journals for a holistic view. Parents can share successes via class emails and ‘Evidence Me’, a digital learning diary for home-school interaction. You'll be invited to create an account upon joining. We also hold information meetings and workshops. Parent consultations and reports on progress and next steps are shared throughout the year.