Our Curriculum

The settings curriculum coordinator is Mrs Katherine Privett.

Our curriculum (what we want the children to learn during their time with us) is designed around our three main values:

And the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the seven areas of learning and development

At the heart of our deliverance of the curriculum (how we want the children to learn) is the unique child, we carefully balance child-led play with planned activities based on the interests and curiosities of the children.

We work hard to provide a stimulating, language rich environment that provides exciting opportunities, promotes challenge and exploration alongside quality interactions between staff and children.

A typical nursery day includes a mix of arrival and free play, circle time, planned learning activities, outdoor play and learning in our garden and at our 2 acre space, stories and songs, small group work focusing on well-being, behaviour and SEN and positive and social mealtimes throughout the day.

Three Prime Areas

The Learning and development requirements cover three prime areas, which are considered particularly important for stimulating children’s interest in learning, and in building relationships:

Communication and Language

giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment, develop their confidence and skill in expressing themselves, and speak and listen in a range of situations.

Physical Development

providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive, develop their coordination, control, and movement, understand the importance of physical activity, and make healthy choices about food.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves and others. To form positive relationships and respect others, develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings, understand appropriate behaviour in groups and to have confidence in their own abilities.

The three prime areas are strengthened by four specific areas of learning:

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding of the World

Expressive Arts and Design

These areas are connected, with learning in one particular area supporting learning in others. At Tom Thumb we interweave these areas to develop children’s knowledge and understanding, while maintaining a strong focus on the prime areas. For instance when children play numbers games, they are also learning to take turns with their friends.

For further information and a parent’s guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage we recommend looking at the following link https://foundationyears.org.uk/files/2021/09/What-to-expect-in-the-EYFS-complete-FINAL-16.09-compressed.pdf

Our Aims and Objectives

To provide high quality care in a warm. loving, friendly, informal atmosphere.
To use the children’s interests alongside the statutory framework, the 7 areas of learning and our knowledge of how individual children learn to provide rich and engaging activities in a nurturing environment to expand ideas and develop skills.
To support children so they feel safe to try new experiences and investigate their surroundings.
To build self-confidence and self-esteem to support children in becoming confident, resilient learners.
To work closely with parents to support learning across home and nursery.
To observe, plan, assess and review children’s individual progress in all areas of learning.
To work with outside agencies to support children with any additional need where necessary.
To contribute to a child’s learning journey to be shared with both parents and child.
To promote a healthy lifestyle including providing fresh home cooked meals and snacks.
To maintain a high level of trained and qualified staff to provide a good quality of education.

Tom Thumb Nursery