Curriculum

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
Children are supported individually within The Nursery and helped to develop confidence, autonomy and self respect. They learn through play both independently and in small or large groups, sharing and co-operating with other children and adults. Through activities, conversation and practical example, they learn to accept ways to express their own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others.

Communication, Language
In both small and large groups, children are encouraged t o extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking and listening, and by hearing and responding to stories, songs and rhymes. Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of the purpose of writing and, when they are ready, to use drawn and written symbols themselves. We have a well-stocked book corner giving the children every opportunity to become familiar with books: to handle them and become aware of their uses, both for reference and a source of stories and pictures.

Physical Development
A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, allow the children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own skills. A very high level of adult supervision enables children to create and meet physical challenges, thereby developing skills and control in moving, climbing and balancing. Children are also helped to develop the finer motor skills needed in order to use tools (including pens and a variety of writing materials); and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision.

Mathematical Development
With adult-supported practical experience, children at The Nursery become familiar with sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities which form the basis for early mathematics. As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisited to learn and use mathematical vocabulary identifying objects by shape, position, size, volume and number. Songs, games and pictures books help children to become aware of number sequences and, when ready, to use simple operations such as addition and subtraction.

Understanding of the World
The safe and stimulating environment of The Nursery allows the children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patterns and similarities and to share and record their feelings. The staff assist the children in exploring and understanding their environment both within The Nursery and also the wider community. We have a range of safe and well maintained equipment enabling the children to extend technological understanding, using simple tools and techniques to achieve their goals and solve problems.

Expressive Arts and Design
The safe and stimulating environment of The Nursery allows the children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patterns and similarities and to share and record their feelings. The staff assist the children in exploring and understanding their environment both within The Nursery and also the wider community. We have a range of safe and well maintained equipment enabling the children to extend technological understanding, using simple tools and techniques to achieve their goals and solve problems.

Literacy
Linking Sounds and letters is how children make the connection that spoken words can be written down. This will help them learn to read and write in time. We provide opportunities for children to explore different sounds through music, rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration. Reading is how children understand and enjoy stories, rhymes, and books, recognising that print carries meaning. Writing is how children build on understanding that spoken words can be written down. We provide opportunities for children to make marks in lots of different ways. We encourage children to give meaning to their marks and we value all the marks that they make so they see themselves as competent writers.