LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

Varied and engaging fun activities are blended with learning throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) setting. We understand the importance of making learning both enjoyable and rewarding, so we ensure that all education at this age is play-based and interactive.

Two pre-school children with toy stethoscope

BALANCED LEARNING

Learning is balanced across pre-planned and spontaneous activity. There are many opportunities for children to lead their learning which has a direct impact on their engagement levels and motivation to learn.

AREAS OF LEARNING

Activities throughout the Nursery and Pre-School ensure children make maximum progress in all seven areas of learning and development within the EYFS curriculum; Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Communication and Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design.

BABIES

The youngest children, within the baby room, have a learning focus of developing communication and social skills, physical ability as well as enjoyment of story time and music.

TODDLERS

The toddler room sees an increase in learning through play with focus on developing awareness and use of language, colours, shapes, space and numbers, as well as more advanced social skills.

PRE-SCHOOL

Children in Pre-School experience more structured and focused learning. Fun weekly lessons are attended at The Elms which are delivered by specialist teachers in topics such as French, Music, PE, Dance and Drama. Reading takes place in the library and children all attend Forest School.

Pre-school child holding a pencil

MONITORING the learning journey

Parents and Nursery staff work in partnership to track and celebrate the progress made by each child. An online journal called Tapestry is used to capture children’s experiences within the setting as well as at home along with monitoring the developmental milestones and learning achieved.

EYFS curriculum

As well as always having enjoyment in mind, all activities are carefully thought through to aid progress through the 7 key areas of learning within the EYFS curriculum.

daily routines

Structured daily routines include both adult-led and child-initiated free play activities. Children benefit from this balance between focused learning and personal choice.

quality care

All children within The Elms and the wider school are known and treated as individuals. It is important to us that each child is stimulated and supported according to their unique needs.

ISI Inspection Report 2021

Children make excellent progress in their learning and development. They are well prepared for the next stage of their education.