Personalised Learning Environments
Creativity and Curiosity through Play
Nature Infused Learning
Physical Development and Risky Play
Environmental Sustainability
Storytelling
The seven areas of learning (The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)) are interwoven into our six strands, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the educational standards set for early childhood learning. In our nursery, we strive to create environments where children can thrive holistically—emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively. Our curriculum offers a rich tapestry of learning experiences that encourage exploration, self-expression, and love for learning, laying a strong foundation for each child's lifelong journey.
Our curriculum is designed around six key strands:
Personalised Learning Environments
We believe that every child is unique. By creating tailored learning spaces that reflect their interests, needs, capabilities, and preferred ways of engaging with the world, we support individualised learning journeys that inspire exploration and discovery. We believe that children have 100 languages and it is our job to help discover, nurture and grow their unique language to learning.
100 languages of children
The concept of the “100 languages” refers to the ways children convey their thoughts, emotions, and understandings—from verbal communication and artistic expression to movement and imaginative play. We provide diverse opportunities for children to explore and express these languages, encouraging them to interact with materials, engage with peers, and discover their interests. This holistic approach fosters a rich, vibrant learning atmosphere where children’s voices are heard and valued.
Understanding Schemas
Our understanding of schemas—the patterns of repeated behaviour and exploration—guides our planning to create environments that resonate with children's natural curiosities. By observing children’s play and interactions, we identify their schemas, such as trajectory (movement), rotation (spinning), and transformation (change). We utilise this insight to adapt our learning spaces and materials, ensuring that they align with children's intrinsic motivations and support their ongoing development.
Planning in the moment
We embrace the philosophy of "planning in the moment," allowing us to be responsive to children’s emerging interests and needs. Our educators engage actively with the children, observing their play patterns and interactions, and seizing opportunities to introduce new concepts, materials, or provocations. This adaptive approach creates dynamic learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, where children can flourish in real-time exploration.
Indoor and Outdoor environments
We aim to create a balanced connection between indoor and outdoor learning, understanding the role of nature in early development. Our outdoor spaces are as important as indoor ones. Indoors, we design environments that promote independent exploration, with accessible resources, creative areas, and cosy spots for reflection. Outdoors, we offer opportunities for children to engage with nature, stimulating their senses through textures, sounds, and changing surroundings.
By integrating these principles into our Personalised Learning Environments, we foster spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection. Each child is supported in their unique learning journey, encouraged to express themselves and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Creativity and Curiosity through Play
We encourage children to imagine, create, and inquire as they engage in play opportunities that nurture their curiosity and creative thinking skills. At our nursery, we firmly believe that creativity and curiosity are fundamental to a child’s development and learning. As a Curiosity Approach accredited setting, we are dedicated to nurturing these essential qualities through play, creating a vibrant environment for exploration, discovery, and personal expression.
Creativity is not just about artistic expression; it encompasses a wide range of innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. In our setting, we encourage children to engage in open-ended play experiences that invite imagination and ingenuity. By providing diverse and rich materials—such as natural objects, art supplies, and collaborative projects—we empower children to take risks, think divergently, and explore their ideas without limitations.
Play is the natural language of children, a vital medium through which they explore their thoughts, feelings, and the world around them. It serves as a powerful platform for experiential learning, allowing children to experiment, ask questions, and problem-solve in real-time. Through play, they develop critical skills such as communication, collaboration, and risk assessment, laying a foundation for future academic and social success.
Curiosity drives children to ask questions, seek answers, and make connections. We view each child's natural inquisitiveness as an incredible asset. In our Curiosity Approach setting, we celebrate their wonderings and interests, allowing them to guide their learning experiences. By embedding opportunities for open-ended exploration and enquiry-based learning, we create an environment where children are inspired to delve deeper into their curiosities and acquire new knowledge as they follow their interests.
Nurturing Creativity
The power of play
Fostering Curiosity
Nature Infused Learning
At our nursery, we are deeply committed to Nature Infused Learning, drawing inspiration from the principled teachings of Steiner education, which emphasise the interconnectedness of children, nature, and the rhythms of life. Our philosophy celebrates the changing seasons and encourages children to engage with the natural world around them, enriching their learning experiences through outdoor exploration and real-life encounters.
Within this strand of our curriculum we will cover the following:
Embracing the Seasons and Rhythms of Nature
Real-Life Learning Experiences
Life Cycles
Planting and Harvesting
Weather Observations
Fostering Respect for Nature
We understand the importance of physical development in early childhood. Our curriculum promotes healthy and active lifestyles through physical activities and carefully supervised risky play, empowering children to assess challenges, gain confidence, and develop resilience.
Physical Development plays a large part in our youngest children, as we allow them to natural unfold, following the work of Emmi Pikler.
Our environments will include the following:
Physical Development and Risky Play
The value of risky play
Engaging with real-life tools and real-life skills
Emmi Pikler's Philosophy of Natural Unfolding
Incorporating Froebel and Steiner Principles
Environmental Sustainability
Understanding the importance of Sustainability
Practical Recycling Education
Experiential Learning in Nature
Promoting Reuse and Upcycling
