Our teacher-led curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS - DfE September 2021). We are committed to upholding, and exceeding, where possible, the standards this sets out.
The EYFS places great value on children’s ability and opportunity to learn through play. We believe children learn best when they are happily engaged in play that interests, stimulates and challenges them. In our nurturing environment, play and learning go hand-in-hand and positive relationships are forged.
Play-based learning is an educational approach that centres on using play as a primary method for children's learning and development. It recognizes that play is a natural and fundamental way for children to explore the world, interact with others, and make sense of their experiences. Play-based learning acknowledges that children learn best when they are active participants in their own learning journey. It aligns with research indicating that children's brains develop through interaction, exploration, and hands-on experiences. This approach respects children's natural curiosity and seeks to create a positive and meaningful learning environment where they can thrive.
All of you have been amazing and shown so much love and care, and you have done a brilliant job preparing the children for their next stage in life. Thank you.
Play-based learning focuses on the child's interests, choices, and agency, allowing them to direct their learning experiences.
Play involves active exploration, manipulation of objects, and interaction with the environment.
Play activities are often open-ended, allowing for multiple solutions and creative possibilities.
It includes both unstructured play, where children are free to explore, and structured play, which may involve guided activities or games.
Play-based learning environments are designed to be safe, stimulating, and flexible, encouraging exploration and creativity.
Educators in play-based learning act as facilitators, observing, guiding, and extending play experiences based on children's interests.
Assessment in play-based learning focuses on observing children's interactions, problem-solving, and engagement rather than traditional tests.
Play often involves sensory experiences, enabling children to explore textures, colours, sounds, and smells.
Interest-based learning in the early years is an educational approach that centres on tailoring the curriculum and activities to the individual interests and curiosities of each child. This approach recognises that when children are engaged in topics that genuinely interest them, their motivation to learn and explore is significantly heightened. Interest-based learning respects children's autonomy and innate curiosity, fostering a positive attitude toward learning that can last throughout their educational journey. It celebrates the diversity of interests and strengths within a classroom, creating an inclusive and enriching environment for early learners.

Due to our invested approach of exploring children’s interests the day-to-day activities at the setting can vary greatly, from story-based projects to significant life events or an ongoing interest in a particular topic. We aim to explore these ideas across all areas of learning, bTop of Formelow are some examples of the kinds of learning that can be achieved across a number of daily activities offered at the setting.
Exposure to songs and stories helps expand vocabulary and comprehension skills as children listen to and engage with different words and phrases.
Listening to songs and stories enhances children's ability to focus and follow a narrative, improving their listening and concentration skills.
Stories and songs stimulate imagination, allowing children to create mental images and visualize scenarios.
Repetition of songs and stories helps develop memory recall and recognition skills.
Dancing promotes gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness.
Music and dance provide a way for children to express themselves creatively and emotionally.
Engaging with music improves children's sense of rhythm, timing, and beat recognition.
Group dancing and musical activities encourage cooperation and sharing
Arts and crafts allow children to explore their creativity, experiment with colours, shapes, and materials, and express their ideas.
Activities involving cutting, drawing, and gluing enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Completing an art project encourages patience and the ability to follow instructions.
Completing a project provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem.
Role-playing activities foster communication, cooperation, negotiation, and empathy as children take on different roles and interact with each other.
Imaginary play allows children to explore various scenarios and develop creative thinking.
Role play involves verbal interaction, expanding vocabulary and language skills.
Children navigate different situations during role play, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Building with blocks and construction toys enhances spatial awareness, geometry, and understanding of three-dimensional structures.
Construction activities require planning, problem-solving, and critical thinking as children design and create structures
Handling and manipulating blocks helps refine fine motor skills and hand coordination.
Children can experiment with different arrangements and designs, fostering creativity.
Small world play encourages children to create and explore imaginary scenarios, boosting imaginative thinking.
Children engage in storytelling as they create narratives and dialogues for their miniature worlds.
Small world play involves verbal communication, leading to language development and vocabulary expansion.
Children often use small world play to work through emotions and experiences, promoting emotional intelligence
Sand and water play engage multiple senses, contributing to sensory development and cognitive growth
Pouring, scooping, and manipulating sand and water objects improve fine motor skills and hand strength.
Children learn about concepts like sinking, floating, and displacement as they experiment with different materials.
Describing textures, actions, and observations during play enhances language skills.
Educational apps can introduce early learners to concepts like numbers, letters, shapes, and colours in interactive and engaging ways.
Navigating touchscreens helps improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Some apps offer puzzles and challenges that promote problem-solving and critical thinking.
Early exposure to technology can lay the groundwork for future digital literacy and tech skills
Outdoor play promotes physical activity, exercise, and the development of gross motor skills.
Outdoor activities foster a connection to nature, encouraging exploration and appreciation of the environment.
Open outdoor spaces provide opportunities for unstructured play, allowing children to create their own games and scenarios.
Outdoor play often involves interaction with peers, promoting social skills, cooperation, and communication.
Monday - Friday
8.00am - 6.00pm
We are open all year round.