At Tettenhall College Nursery, we believe that young children learn best through experiences, exploration and play. Every day presents new opportunities to discover, develop skills and build confidence in a happy, stimulating environment.
Our curriculum is carefully planned around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need as they take their first steps on their educational journey.
Learning through play
Our staff plan activities around each child’s interests and stage of development, providing encouragement and guidance while giving children the freedom to explore, discover and learn at their own pace.
Each week has a theme that runs through our stories, songs, activities and outdoor learning. These themes give the week a sense of structure and help bring learning to life, while giving parents something new to talk about with their children on the way home.
The seven areas of learning
- Communication and language, the single biggest predictor of how a child will do later
- Physical development, indoors, outdoors and in the pool
- Personal, social and emotional development, which is what parents actually notice first
- Literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design
Communication and Language - prime area
Focuses on giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; developing children’s ability to express themselves effectively and confidently and to listen and understand others. We frequently read to children and actively engage them in stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems. Through conversation and storytelling and role play, children share their ideas with support and modelling from their teachers. Children will be questioned sensitively to encourage elaboration so children can become more comfortable in using a rich range of vocabulary and language structures.
Physical Development - prime area
Focuses on developing children’s physical skills, coordination and control over their bodies. We provide a range of activities, including swimming, PE, outdoor play, and forest adventures, to build children’s core strength, stability, balance, spatial awareness, co-ordination, agility, overall health and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are enhanced through fun and stimulating activities, from playdough and threading to cutting and mark-making, helping children develop the muscle strength, and coordination needed for early writing. Our sessions build children’s confidence in holding a pencil and forming letters, laying a strong foundation for writing success
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) - prime area
Focuses on developing children’s self-awareness, self-regulation and the ability to form positive relationships with others so children can lead healthy and happy lives. We create a supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and respected, helping them build relationships and manage emotions. Through modelling and guidance, children learn how to look after their bodies, including healthy eating and manage personal needs independently.
Literacy - specific area
Focuses on developing children’s skills in reading and writing. We nurture early reading and writing skills through phonics, storytelling, and regular library visits, fostering a love of books from an early age. The same phonics scheme is used as the rest of the school, building a solid foundation to develop learning.
Mathematics - specific area
Focuses on developing children’s understanding of numbers. Our hands-on approach to early maths helps children understand numbers, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving.
Understanding the World - specific area
Focuses on developing children’s knowledge and understanding about the physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places and the environment. Through woodland walks in our 33-acre site, educational trips and meeting members of the community, we encourage curiosity about nature, the environment, and different cultures and traditions.
Expressive Art & Design - specific area
Focuses on developing children’s creativity, imagination and the ability to express themselves through various medium. Children explore their creativity through art, music, dance, and dramatic play, participating in two annual shows held in our Victorian theatre, building confidence and teamwork.
How Pre-School differs from Nursery
As children grow and develop, their learning experiences and daily routines naturally evolve to reflect their changing needs and abilities.
In Nursery, learning is largely guided by children’s interests, with plenty of opportunities for child-initiated play, exploration and discovery. Our approach encourages curiosity, creativity and confidence, allowing children to learn through meaningful experiences at their own pace.
As children progress into pre-School, the daily routine gradually becomes more structured. Adult-led activities become a more regular part of the day, children begin to experience a more familiar classroom environment, develop their listening and concentration skills and increase opportunities to develop independence.
These experiences help build the foundations for a confident transition into Reception. By the time children are ready to take their next step, they are familiar with many of the routines and expectations of a school day, helping them feel settled, confident and excited about the opportunities ahead.
How we track progress
Every child develops in their own way and at their own pace. We take the time to understand each child’s individual strengths, interests and areas for development, ensuring their learning experiences are tailored to support their progress. We carefully observe each child’s development and plan individual next steps to support their learning and progress.
We use Tapestry, an online learning journal, to record observations, celebrate achievements and share each child’s learning journey. Parents can access their child’s journal, helping them stay connected with their experiences and celebrate their progress.
Two-year progress checks are carried out by each child’s key person, with findings and information about their development shared with parents. We welcome regular conversations with families and provide opportunities to discuss children’s progress in more detail during parents’ evenings.
Throughout every stage, our approach is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring every child receives the encouragement, support, care and learning opportunities they need to develop and flourish.
Working in partnership with families, we celebrate every milestone, nurture individual potential and give every child the confidence to take their next steps.
