Curriculum
The entire staff team at Tilbury Nursery plan a range of differentiated and inclusive play based and creative learning opportunities which encompass the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to progress all our children.
The EYFS framework is divided up into seven areas of learning:
Three Prime Areas:
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Four Specific Areas:
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Art and Design
The Prime Areas are the building blocks that children need to achieve to progress onto the 4 Specific Areas. Therefore on entry to our Nursery particular attention is paid to developing the children's Communication & Language, Physical and Personal, Social and Emotional development within the appropriate age band.
Tilbury Nursery is currently implementing the New Statutory Framework for the EYFS from 1st September 2021.
We will be using Development Matters 2020 - a document provided by early Education to support us in assessing the gaps in the children's learning and development.
This Document will enable us to closely match their Guidance in the 3 Prime Areas and 4 Specific Areas of a child's learning and development to ensure we are meeting the child's unique individual current needs.
Our Intent
At Tilbury Nursery, we provide a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where every child feels safe, valued and ready to learn. Our curriculum is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage and focuses on developing the prime areas first, as these are the foundations for all future learning. We recognise that children learn best through play, exploration, secure relationships and meaningful experiences.
We aim to support children to become confident communicators, independent learners and kind, resilient individuals who are ready for their next stage of education.
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Prime Areas of Learning
Communication and Language
We support children to develop strong listening and attention skills through daily stories, singing, rhymes and meaningful conversations. Adults model rich vocabulary, extend children’s sentences and introduce new words in context. Children are encouraged to express their thoughts, needs and feelings using words, gestures, visuals or signs.
We provide small group times, story sessions and one-to-one interactions to support children at all levels of language development.
What this looks like in nursery:
• Daily story time and singing sessions
• Sustained shared thinking
• Visual prompts and communication aids
• Small group language activities
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We help children to feel safe, secure and confident by building strong key person relationships. Children are supported to understand emotions, develop friendships and learn how to manage their behaviour. We promote kindness, turn-taking, sharing and resilience.
Independence is encouraged through self-care routines such as handwashing, toileting, putting on coats and tidying away.
What this looks like in nursery:
• Key person system
• Emotion coaching and modelling language of feelings
• Clear and consistent routines
• Opportunities for collaborative play
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Physical Development
We provide daily opportunities for children to develop both gross and fine motor skills. Children have access to outdoor play, climbing equipment, bikes and large physical apparatus to build strength, balance and coordination. Fine motor activities such as threading, playdough, mark-making and using tools prepare children for early writing skills.
Healthy lifestyles are promoted through active play and discussions about healthy food choices.
What this looks like in nursery:
• Outdoor play every day
• Dough gym and finger strengthening activities
• Climbing, balancing and obstacle courses
• Access to mark-making tools in all areas
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Specific Areas of Learning
Literacy
We foster a love of books through daily story sessions and access to a well-resourced book area. Children learn that print carries meaning and begin to recognise familiar signs, logos and their own names. Mark-making is encouraged in all areas of provision.
We focus on developing speaking and listening skills as the foundation for later reading and writing.
What this looks like in nursery:
• Story sacks and rhyme baskets
• Name recognition activities
• Mark-making indoors and outdoors
• Environmental print
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Mathematics
Children develop early mathematical understanding through practical, hands-on experiences. They learn to count through songs and everyday routines, begin to recognise numbers, explore shape and pattern, and use language such as “more,” “less,” “big,” and “small.”
Mathematics is embedded into play and daily routines.
What this looks like in nursery:
• Counting during snack time
• Shape hunts indoors and outdoors
• Comparing quantities in sand and water play
• Sorting and matching activities
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Understanding the World
Children explore their environment and learn about the people and communities around them. We provide opportunities to investigate natural materials, observe changes, and talk about past and present events in their own lives.
We celebrate different cultures, festivals and family traditions within our nursery community.
What this looks like in nursery:
• Seasonal activities
• Visits from community members
• Cooking and cultural celebrations
• Exploring nature in the garden
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Expressive Arts and Design
Children are encouraged to express themselves through art, music, dance, role play and imaginative play. We value the process of creativity rather than the final product. Children explore different materials, textures and techniques and are given time to develop their ideas.
What this looks like in nursery:
• Open-ended art activities
• Role play areas
• Music and movement sessions
• Access to creative materials daily
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How Children Learn
Our curriculum is delivered through:
• Play-based learning
• Adult-led and child-initiated experiences
• Observations and responsive planning
• Individualised support for children with SEND
• Strong partnerships with parents
We adapt our curriculum to meet the needs of all children, ensuring that every child makes progress from their starting points.
GO TO more... ON THE HOME PAGE AND MOVE CURSOR ONTO EACH INDIVIDUAL AREA OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR A MORE IN DEPTH DESCRIPTION OF EACH AREA.
