Our 4 Key Learning Principles
1. A Communication-Rich Environment
Educators create a ‘communication rich’ environment where children hear a wide range of vocabulary, to support children with their speech and language. This includes using Makaton for children who have EAL.
2. A Child-Focused Environment
Teaching is centred on children’s individual next steps, the termly curriculum goals and the children’s interests.
3. An Inclusive Environment
Embracing children of all backgrounds and abilities, adapting activities to ensure everyone can participate and thrive. Making sure inclusivity is the golden thread that weaves through our Nursery curriculum and environment.
4. Family Partnerships
Getting to know the whole family beyond the child at the setting. Supporting families that need additional help at home and including professionals where required.
Our Curriculum Cycle
Step 1
Settle the child into Nursery, get all the child’s information and home life information from the parents at the settling in session. Allow the child time to settle, get to know them and their interests, allow them time to create a special bond with a particular key worker. Input the child’s starting point on the EyLog and begin to observe them monthly.
Step 2
Make notes of the child’s interests and next steps on the curriculum planning board in the classroom and begin to create learning experiences and adult led activities for children to begin working towards their next steps. Work towards the ‘termly curriculum goals’ with the whole age group, factoring in their individual next steps so that children can work towards both the termly goals and individual next steps set by educators.
Step 3
Managers and educators come together once a term for a ‘COHORT’ meeting where children’s individual progress is discussed in depth, tracked and assessed. SEN children will be assessed using their IEP’s and review meetings will take place with parents for children who require support. Identify any children who may not be progressing, create support plans where required and make any necessary referrals to professionals for support. Create new or adapt the ‘termly curriculum goals’. Educators also complete end of term assessments to send to parents.
Our termly curriculum goals, carefully planned by the staff and management team at the termly COHORT meeting support children to develop to their full potential. Using their home experiences, stage of development, interests and our 4 key principles.