Our Nursery
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning"
(Diane Ackerman)
Aims (Intent)
At St Chad’s Nursery, our principal aim is to provide a broad and balanced early years curriculum that meets the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We aim to give children:
- A strong foundation for future learning through knowledge and skills developed in play.
- A safe, caring and stimulating environment where they are healthy, happy and motivated.
- Opportunities to develop independence, confidence, resilience and social skills.
- Equality of opportunity, with support tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
- A close working relationship between staff, parents and carers to support learning at home and school.
Our practice is guided by the four principles of the EYFS:
- Every child is unique, capable, confident and resilient.
- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
- Children learn and develop in enabling environments, with adults responding to their needs and interests.
- Children develop and learn at different rates.
We believe children in Nursery thrive through play, curiosity and exploration, which underpin all areas of their development.
Organisation (Implementation)
At St Chad’s Nursery, the curriculum is delivered through the EYFS framework. Children experience a balance of adult-led and child-initiated play, with staff carefully planning purposeful opportunities that reflect children’s interests and needs.
Learning is structured around the seven areas of the EYFS:
- Prime areas: Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
- Specific areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design.
Play is central to implementation. Through activities such as role-play, construction, storytelling, songs, creative arts, outdoor exploration and early mark-making, children investigate, imagine, and practise new skills. Vocabulary is developed through rich interactions, with adults modelling and extending language.
The Nursery environment is enabling and stimulating, both indoors and outdoors. Resources are accessible, allowing children to make independent choices and explore freely. Staff adapt planning to meet individual needs, with early intervention and strong partnerships with parents and professionals ensuring that all children are included and supported.
Assessment and Recording of Work (Impact)
Assessment in Nursery is ongoing and rooted in careful observations of children during play and interaction. Staff capture children’s achievements and progress, using this information to shape planning and identify next steps. Parents contribute their insights, ensuring a full picture of each child’s development.
Impact is evident in the way children develop resilience, independence, curiosity and secure foundations in the prime areas of learning. They grow in confidence, form positive relationships, build vocabulary and communication skills, and begin to understand the world around them.
Children’s learning is celebrated through displays and updates for parents via Class Dojo. The Nursery team ensures that all experiences are joyful, purposeful and motivating, preparing children for the next stage of their education.