The aim of our curriculum at John Wilkinson Nursery is to equip children with the skills and knowledge they need to explore and understand the world around them.  We believe that children grow and develop when they have access to a well thought out learning environment and engaged and knowledgeable adults.

The teaching and learning of new skills and knowledge is delivered through adult and child led opportunities both indoors, outdoors, and Forest School sessions which allow your child to explore, investigate and learn through play.  This seamlessly dovetails into the early stage of education in a Reception class.  We enrich children's learning with engaging visits and visitors, memorable experiences and opportunities to engage in learning outside nursery. We feel this contributes to overall development and enjoyment, leading to a love of learning.

All sessions are carefully planned to meet pupils’ needs and each half term we have a different focus based on children’s interests. The curriculum has been enhanced with exciting and creative ideas from “Nursery Cornerstones Programme”, which are used in both the School and Nursery.

There are seven areas of learning and development within the Early Years Foundation Stage (2023) framework.

Prime areas of learning

• Communication and language development

• Personal, social and emotional development

• Physical development

Specific areas of learning

• Mathematics

• Literacy

• Understanding the world

• Expressive Arts and design

In planning for children, we consider the different ways in which children learn. The three characteristics of effective learning are:

• Playing and exploring

• Active Learning

• Creating and thinking critically