Head Start Day Nursery
Part of Tregenna Nursery Group
Head Start Day Nursery Partnership
A Safeguarding & Inclusive Organisation
0121 789 7656
What is our Curriculum?
Within all of our nurseries you will see our commitment to play, following children's interests and outdoor learning. Throughout their time with us, children will be observed and assessed using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS - Outcomes for Children & The Development Matters for the EYFS) to ensure that they are reaching the correct milestones in development. Our teachers and practitioners guide children's learning through each Area of Learning, which is then recorded on Tapestry (see above) which are:
Take a look at our new prospectus!
Those areas highlighted in green are referred to 'prime' areas of learning, whereas those in blue are referred to as 'specific'. At an earlier age we hold a higher focus on the prime areas of learning and as children progress (moving into pre-school), we consider all areas of learning.
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Take a look at the EYFS for parents:
How might you see it?
In all of our playrooms, we have role-play areas where children's imagination soar! We have recently purchased fabulous new resources (see out facebook page). Staff listen to and respond to childrens' play, extending and developing learning.
One of the most important areas of learning; Communication & Language underpins all other areas of learning. We have introduced lots of new vocabulary within all areas of the play environment.
Staff scaffold childrens' learning, extending vocabulary throughout the day. You will see children learning new words on a daily basis. We then incorporate these in current displays.
We are sensitive to children's needs, recognising where and when children are ready to take risks, potty train and be independent and then responding appropriately.
We have fantastic opportunities for gross motor (large scale/whole body) and fine motor (smaller scale/accuracy & precision) physical development.
We like to make sure that children are happy and settled when they come into nursery. Our team are very nurturing, caring and loving to all of our children; we are like an extended family.
In our preschool environment, we have a Maths Investigation Area where children can explore, number, shapes, measures & quantities. In addition to this, we incorporate mathematical language (& opportunities) into everything that we do; from our 'Loose Parts' area to simply counting various objects in the environment.
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Within all of our age groups, there is continuous opportunity for purposeful mark making. We love to make our own stories and draw characters for them and even write names on our work.
Our allotment and outings in particular encourage children to have a growing awareness and respect for all living things.
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We also have a state of the art interactive touch screens which we use as part of the normal routine (we love 'wake-up and shake-up')
We love a good mess! It is important for children to explore different textures and matierials as this is highly beneficial for their development and meets sensory needs. We always have lots of different resources to encourge imagination, creative and messy play.
Evidence: Planning IN THE MOMENT!
In all of our nurseries, we plan in an 'In the moment' style, meaning that teachers and practitioners immerse themselves into childrens' interests and extend their learning in small increments. This is something that we do all the time; just by speaking to children, we expose them to the English language (new words, ideas and ways to do things!)
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'Teaching ... is a broad term that covers the many different ways in which adults help young children learn. It includes their interactions with children during planned and child-initiated activities:
Communicating and modelling language, showing, explaining, demonstrating, exploring ideas, encouraging, questioning, recalling, providing a narrative for what they are doing, facilitating and setting challenges.
It takes account of the equipment adults provide and the attention given to the physical environment, as well as the structure and routines of the day that establish expectations.”
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In all of our nurseries, we have large open environments (both inside and out!) for children to freely explore the high quality resources and equipment. The majority of all sessions involves children choosing resources and equipment
The way in which we 'plan' for children is using the following cycle ('Plan, Do, Review). Practitioners and teachers use Tapestry to make observations and assessments on children. We use this do identify what children are learning and the 'teachable moment' (what we did to extend children's knowledge and understanding).
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Our priority is to maximise the amount of time spent with children, extending thier learning and engaging their curiosities! Therefore the observations and assesments that we carry out are not extensive and numerous.
Our Nursery Rules
Pictured right are our nursery rules. These are applicable to all children, staff and visitors to our nursery. These are a simple set of rules which we use in all situations; modelling appropriate behaviours in and out of nursery. We'd like to encourge parents and carers to use the same language (this is great tool to reinforce positive behaviours). Our (always) on-hand staff and SENDCo team are happy to support parents and chidren with behaviours and are able to get advice and support where needed.
The Learnosaurs!
In assessments and observations that we make (through Tapestry) you may see 'CoEL' (Characterisitcs of Effective Learning) assessments. These are used to observe how children are learning and is an important tool for teachers and practitioners to develop the nursery and enhance learning. We love to encourge children to take ownership in their learning; independance is top priority and necessity for children to develop - take a look at the different 'Learnosaurs' that we like to use (pictured left).
Trips & Outings!
At Head Start, we believe that children should be 'out and about' in the community exploring and engaging in whats on offer! We aim to go out every week to various places; Stechford Play Park, Morden Park, Welly walks and lots more!
emma the music lady!
Every week we have a special visit from Emma the Music Lady! Emma comes into Nursery to sing and dance with our Pre-Schoolers and Toddlers. She provides our children with a fun, engaging music session with instruments and props. Emma is a fantastic asset to our Nursery and all of our Children love her! To find out more about Emma, visit her Facebook here:
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Fantastic Food!
Every week, we aim to carry out a cooking activity with all age groups. These activities are essential for encouraging development within all areas of learning. Children learn about shape, space and measure when weighing ingredients, develop fine motor skills when using tools to effect change (for example, in dough), language is encouraged throughout each activity (for example, "mix", "weigh" and "measure") and much more!
We have our own kitchen which is used daily to provide children with delicious home-cooked meals. Aisha, our in-house cook is highly passionate about providing healthy food for all our children (and staff!)
You may be eligible for Free School Meals (please come and speak to us)
The Amazing Allotment!
We are very fortunate to have our own allotment which is accessed by all age groups. This is fabulous for children to explore the natural world, learn about road safety and growth and decay. We aim to go every week and the children love to weave through the willow archway, dig in the mud (and make a mess!), climb on the climbing frame, grow vegetables and use bikes along the track!
Story Time!
We read Every Day!
As part of our everyday routine, we like to incorporate stories to make activities more exciting and engaging. Something we particularly enjoy are 'active stories' where children participate in movement and action to reinforce the story: When reading 'We're going on a bear hunt' you might see that teachers and practitioners act out the 'swirling, whirling snowstorm' by rotating round and round. Reading to children is an essential skill them to gain a love for reading which is important for when children begin to read in school.
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"children are made readers on the laps of their parents"
Emilie Buchwald
We see that reading to children as essential. On a daily basis, you will find children freely accessing our vast library of books. We encourage parents to read to their children every day (this is proven to be highly beneficial!) Parents are welcome to borrow books at any time - just ask!
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More information about early reading can be found here:
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Terrific Technology!
Internet Matters Poster:
In each of our play rooms, we have access to state-of-the-art resources. Technology is ever-changing and we aim to prepare our children for the future. We feel that technology should go hand-in-hand with education which is why we have invested in state-of-the-art resources.
Toddlers and Preschool children can access our fantastic Interactive Whiteboard/touchscreen which we use every day in singing and dancing activities and wake-up & shake-up.
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Remember to always supervise children on internet connected devices!
All of our trips, outings and activities are provided free of charge!