Learning in Nursery
We believe that young children learn best when they feel happy, secure, curious and confident to explore the world around them. Our Nursery welcomes children aged two, three and four into a shared, nurturing learning environment. Through carefully planned experiences, purposeful play and supportive interactions with adults, we help every child develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for their next steps.
Play is at the heart of our Nursery — but there is always learning behind it!
Learning Through Play
Play is how young children explore ideas, practise new skills, solve problems and make sense of their experiences. Our Nursery environment offers exciting opportunities for children to investigate, imagine, create and discover. Adults carefully observe children's interests and development, introduce new learning and help children extend their thinking.
Sometimes children learn through activities led by an adult. At other times, they make their own choices, follow their curiosity and explore independently. Both are important parts of our approach.
Communication, Language & StoriesTalking, listening and understanding are at the heart of everything we do. Children develop their communication skills through conversations, stories, songs, rhymes, imaginative play and everyday experiences. We encourage children to share their ideas, ask questions, explain their thinking and listen to others. Books are an important part of Nursery life. We enjoy sharing wonderful stories, exploring new vocabulary and helping children develop a lifelong love of reading. Children also develop their awareness of sounds, rhythms and rhymes, building important foundations for later phonics and reading. |
Exploring Early Mathematics
Maths is everywhere in Nursery! Children develop their understanding of numbers, counting, patterns, shapes, space and measures through practical, playful experiences. Whether they're building towers, sharing objects, comparing sizes, exploring water or spotting patterns, children are developing mathematical ideas. Adults help children notice connections, use mathematical language and develop confidence in solving problems. |
Creating, Imagining & Expressing OurselvesWe love giving children opportunities to be creative! Through painting, drawing, music, movement, construction, role play and imaginative experiences, children learn to express their thoughts and ideas in different ways. Our open-ended resources and loose parts encourage children to experiment, design, build and discover possibilities for themselves. We value children's creativity, imagination and the process of exploring ideas — not simply the finished product. |
Discovering the World Around UsChildren are naturally curious about the world and we want to nurture that curiosity. Through hands-on experiences, children learn about nature, the changing seasons, people, places, communities and the world around them. They investigate, ask questions, make observations and begin to understand similarities, differences and change. We also celebrate the different families, cultures and experiences that make our Nursery community special. |
Outdoor Learning & Forest SchoolOur wonderful outdoor environment is an important part of our curriculum. Children have opportunities to explore, investigate, take appropriate risks and develop confidence through active outdoor learning. From digging, building and balancing to observing wildlife, experimenting with water and discovering seasonal changes, the outdoors provides countless opportunities for learning. Our Forest School experiences encourage curiosity, independence, teamwork, problem-solving and a growing connection with the natural world. We believe that getting outside, getting active and sometimes getting a little muddy are all important parts of childhood! |
Growing in Confidence and IndependenceNursery is about so much more than preparing children for school. We help children develop friendships, understand their feelings, build positive relationships and become increasingly independent. Through everyday routines, play and carefully supported experiences, children learn to make choices, manage challenges, take responsibility and work alongside others. Our adults know each child as an individual, celebrating their achievements and providing the encouragement and support they need to flourish. |
Every Child's Learning Journey
Every child develops at their own pace, and we recognise that children bring different strengths, interests and experiences to Nursery. Our staff carefully observe children's learning, identify their next steps and adapt experiences to meet individual needs. As children grow, their learning becomes increasingly challenging, building on what they already know and can do.
Our Nursery curriculum forms part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), providing a strong foundation for children's continuing learning in Reception and beyond. You can find out more about our whole-school Early Years curriculum on our Early Years Foundation Stage page.
Helping Your Child Learn at Home
You don't need expensive toys, worksheets or special equipment to support your child's learning. Some of the most valuable learning happens through simple everyday moments.
Here are a few lovely ways to help:
- Share books every day. Talk about the pictures, enjoy favourite stories and let your child join in.
- Talk, sing and rhyme together. Conversations, songs and nursery rhymes build language and listening skills.
- Explore numbers naturally. Count steps, sort socks, compare sizes and spot shapes when you're out and about.
- Encourage independence. Give your child time to practise dressing, tidying away and making simple choices.
- Get outside and explore. Splash in puddles, collect leaves, look for insects and notice the changing seasons.
- Make time for play. Building, drawing, pretending, creating and simply playing together all help children learn.
Most importantly, enjoy spending time together. Your interest, encouragement and conversations make a wonderful difference.
Learning Together
We value the partnership between home and Nursery and love hearing about children's interests, achievements and adventures outside school. If you have any questions about your child's learning or development, please speak to a member of our Nursery team.
Together, we can help every child develop a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.