Curriculum
Curriculum Offer:
The child is at the centre of everything we do at Cippenham Nursery School. Our child-centred approach to learning means that children spend the majority of their day engaged in self-initiated activities, either independently or with their peers. Alongside this approach, staff use observation and assessment information to plan exciting learning opportunities for the children inside, outdoors in the garden and at Forest School, covering all areas of the curriculum. Learning activities are concentrated on children’s interests in addition to their unique developmental needs. Children are encouraged to make their own choices in their learning, as well as being supported by knowledgeable adults to develop new skills and understanding. The children will also take part in activities facilitated by an adult. When children join Cippenham Nursery School, they are matched with a Key Person. Each of the 6 groups are made up of 13 children. The groups are named after creatures:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Caterpillars
- Ladybirds
- Rainbow Fish
- Seahorses
These groups are of mixed age and gender. In addition to this, extra staff offer support to children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL.) Your child and their members of staff will get to know each other very well, especially during group times. You will have many opportunities to talk to the Key Person too. You will be invited to discuss your child’s progress at regular intervals throughout the year.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework is organised into seven areas of learning:
The Prime Areas:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
The Specific Areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
The full Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage can be accessed here: Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage for group and school providers (publishing.service.gov.uk)
To support our curriculum planning, we also use Birth to Five Matters. This is non-statutory guidance, which can be accessed here: https://birthto5matters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Birthto5Matters-download.pdf
