Our approach in brief

At our Cubs Nursery we provide a nurturing, safe and stimulating environment where two- to three-year-olds learn through high-quality play and positive interactions. Our curriculum is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and informed by the Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters guidance. It is designed to support each child’s individual development across the prime and specific areas of learning so they flourish socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

Our aims

• To provide a joyful, play-based curriculum that develops curiosity, resilience and a love of learning.
• To secure strong foundations in Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Physical Development.
• To ensure equitable access so every child, including those with additional needs, can make progress.
• To work in partnership with families so learning continues at home and children feel supported.
• To prepare children for a confident transition into nursery routines and later moving to our Bears 3-4 yr Nursery.

We intend that by the end of the nursery year most children will:

• Develop positive relationships and feel safe and secure in the nursery setting.
• Communicate their needs and begin to use more words, sentences and new vocabulary.
• Gain increasing independence in self-care and routines, be toilet trained.
• Improve physical control, coordination and gross/fine motor skills.
• Explore number, shape and pattern through play. Copy matching and sorting activities.
• Experience early mark-making, know how to make circular, zig zags and line patterns. Understanding the directional language and begin to attach meanings to their marks.
• Show an enjoyment of stories, songs and rhymes. Joining in with key phrases and actions.
• Explore the world around them and begin to talk about their observations.

Areas of learning covered

We follow the EYFS areas aligned with Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters:

• Prime areas
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) — making relationships, self-regulation, self-confidence and independence.
  • Communication and Language (C&L) — listening, attention, understanding and speaking.
  • Physical Development (PD) — gross and fine motor skills, health and self-care.
• Specific areas
  • Literacy — enjoying books, handling books, early mark-making and emergent writing.
  • Mathematics — counting, recognising quantities, simple shape and pattern.
  • Understanding the World — exploring people, places, technology and the natural world.
  • Expressive Arts and Design — using media and materials, role play, music and imaginative play.