Our Early Years Curriculum

At St Andrew’s, our Nursery curriculum provides a rich balance of purposeful play, high‑quality interactions and carefully planned learning experiences. Children explore, investigate and develop new skills in an engaging environment that nurtures curiosity, independence and confidence. Our provision reflects the school’s Christian ethos, ensuring every child feels safe, valued and loved as they begin their learning journey.

 

Areas of Learning

Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, which includes seven areas of learning:

 

Prime Areas:

- Communication and Language

- Physical Development

- Personal, Social and Emotional Development

 

Specific Areas:

- Literacy

- Mathematics

- Understanding the World

- Expressive Arts and Design

 

How We Teach

Our teaching combines:

-Child‑initiated learning through high‑quality continuous provision

-Adult‑led sessions that build skills and knowledge

-Targeted groups with a strong focus on communication, relationships and early physical development in Nursery

-Enhancements added to reflect children’s interests and learning needs

 

Language-rich interactions, emotional wellbeing and secure relationships are central to our practice, supported by the Key Person approach.

 

Learning Environment

Our indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to promote independence, exploration and confidence. Nursery places a strong emphasis on communication, personal development and early physical skills.

 

Assessment

Assessment is ongoing and purposeful. Staff carry out on-entry baseline assessments and use observations to understand children’s progress and plan next steps. Development Matters supports our understanding of developmental progression.

 

A Typical Day

Arrival and Settling

Children are welcomed into the Nursery by familiar adults and settle into play at their own pace.

 

Child‑Initiated Play and Continuous Provision

Children access a rich range of indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. They explore areas such as construction, role play, creative activities, early maths, small world play and physical play, supported by high‑quality adult interactions.

 

Adult‑Led Learning

Throughout the session, staff lead small‑group activities focused on communication, early language, personal development, or specific next steps. These sessions are playful, purposeful and tailored to children’s developmental needs.

 

Snack Time

Children share a healthy snack together, developing independence, social skills and routines around eating and self‑care.

 

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor play is an important part of our day. Children have daily access to our outdoor space where they can move, explore and investigate in a larger learning environment.

 

Group Time

Towards the end of the session, children come together for a story, songs, rhymes or group discussion to support language, listening and early literacy skills.

 

Home Time

Children are collected by their parent or carer and staff share any relevant updates or messages.

 

News & Updates

We enjoy sharing children’s learning and experiences across the Early Years. In Nursery, we use the Seesaw app to keep families updated with photos, activities and key moments from the children’s day. This ensures parents receive regular, personalised updates about what their child has been exploring and achieving.

 

Whole‑school information, reminders and celebrations are shared through the school newsletter, which is sent to all families.