Personal, Social and Emotional Development – These areas of development underpin all learning and have a prominent place in the nursery. We provide opportunities for the children to feel that learning is fun, challenging and exciting, in order for them to develop independence and self-respect, nurture confidence, have a sense of self-esteem, show initiative and develop their social skills. The children are encouraged to work independently and in groups, sharing and co-operating with other children and adults, taking into account other’s feelings. The children are encouraged to make their own decisions and be as independent as possible. There is a clear policy framework for all children to behave well and safely in the nursery at all times. By including other cultures, beliefs and festivals into our planning it is hoped that the children will learn to show respect for all people and learn more about the world in which they live.

The children develop an understanding of what is right and wrong and why. Throughout their time at nursery they learn to treat living things with care and concern. We encourage the children to show a range of feelings such as awe and wonder, joy and sorrow in response to their feelings day by day. Personal hygiene is of great importance and snack time is a time for personal and social skills to be developed.

Communication, Language and Literacy – This area of learning encompasses speaking and listening as well as early skills in reading and writing. Language is linked to cognitive development and it is therefore important that children acquire good language skills, structure their thoughts and their use of language in imaginative play is extended. Early literacy, being aware of sounds and the use of rhymes, a desire and love of books are all fostered. In small and large groups the children learn to listen attentively and share their own experiences. They are also encouraged to make up their own stories and take part in role-play with confidence. We enjoy a structured Jolly Phonics programme, devised to teach children phonic sounds through rhymes, songs, puppets and stories.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy– Children need to have lots of hands on experience in practical situations. They need to problem solve, group and compare numbers, experience shape, space and measure, as well as recognise numbers in everyday life both as labels and for counting.

We provide opportunities for the children to become familiar with activities that promote sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting. At snack time they develop skills to solve practical problems e.g. “how many children are there? We only have 4 cups, how many more do we need?” Children learn to use the vocabulary of mathematical concepts, identifying objects by shape, position, size and number. Songs, rhymes,  ames and picture books help children become aware of number sequences. Simple mathematical operations such as addition and subtraction are experienced in practical situations e.g. in games, the role play shop or hospital. Through carefully planned activities the children explore the concepts of weight and capacity; more, less, greater, smaller, heavier and lighter.

Knowledge and Understanding of the world – This area is full of surprises! It focuses firmly on the children’s experiences and their world. It helps them to reflect on their environment and to learn from it. It encompasses six areas of learning; exploration and investigation, designing and making skills, ICT, sense of time, sense of place, cultures and beliefs.

Physical Development and Creative Development.
Physical development concerned with fine and gross motor skills and improving skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. Creative development is concerned with art, craft, music, dance, role-play and all forms of imaginative work.