We think about the different ways that pupils learn so that we can be certain we are giving them the freedom to explore, create, think critically and be active. Schemes of work are based on a series of topics, offering experiences across all areas of the curriculum, using the inside and outside learning areas. We follow the pupils’ interests and draw on our links with the community to enrich their experiences by taking them on visits and inviting engaging speakers and workshop providers into the School.  

The Prime Areas are crucial in igniting the pupils’ curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. The four Specific Areas enable the Prime Areas to be strengthened and applied.

A Unique Child 

Every child is a competent learner who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. They develop in individual ways and at varying rates. Children’s attitudes and dispositions to learn are influenced by feedback from others. We use praise and encouragement, as well as celebration/sharing assemblies and rewards to encourage children to develop a positive attitude to learning. 

A critical relationship

Parents are the children’s first and most-important educators, we support parents by involving them in their children’s education; we believe that children benefit most from Early Years education and care when parents and settings work together in partnership. We do this by: 

• Providing opportunities for parents to learn about the curriculum offered in the setting and about young children’s learning, both in the setting and at home. In the setting we hold meetings with the class teacher at the beginning of every year, update parents weekly through the school newsletter and our online portal ‘Tapestry’. We offer parent information evenings throughout the year covering topics such as early phonic skills and transition.  

• Ensuring ongoing dialogue with parents to improve our knowledge of the needs of their children and to support their families. 

• Informing all parents about how the setting is run and its policies through access to written information and through regular informal communication. We check to ensure parents understand the information that is given to them. 

• Informing all parents on a regular basis about their children’s progress through their child’s end of term report and parents’ evenings. Involving parents in the shared record keeping about their children – either formally or informally – and ensure parents have access to their children’s written developmental records. 

• Providing opportunities for parents to contribute their own skills, knowledge and interests to the activities of the setting. 

• Informing all parents of the systems for registering queries, complaints or suggestions and check to ensure these are understood.  All parents have access to our written complaints procedure. 

To ensure that children are given the opportunity to be effective learners, the classrooms at Cricklade Manor Nursery are organised to allow children to explore and learn independently and collaboratively, securely and safely. There are areas where the children can be active or be quiet and rest. The classrooms are set up in learning areas, supporting the Prime and Specific Areas. The EYFS has its own outside area. This has a positive effect on the children’s development as it offers the children the chance to explore, use their senses and be physically active and exuberant.   

Our staff ensure appropriate provision is accessible to the pupils both inside and outside the classroom. They guide the children in their learning, posing appropriate questions to challenge and extend learning and understanding and encourage creativity, risk taking and exploring, and resilience when trying new things.