Characteristics of Effective Learning

Teachers’ observations are focused on the Characteristics of Effective Learning:

• Playing and Exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’

• Active Learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements

• Creating and Thinking

Critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

Pastoral Care

With a clear focus on wellbeing, your child will grow in confidence, self-belief and resilience during their two years in Nursery. Time is dedicated daily to mindfulness activities, such as breathing techniques, yoga poses and movement breaks, as well as enjoying the therapeutic benefits of nature in our outdoor learning areas. Our tailored personal, social and emotional development programme also allows children to reflect, learn and grow as individuals and as part of their wider world.

Play-based Learning

There is a balance between adult-directed teaching and child-initiated learning . In both the indoor and outdoor environments, children learn through play-based and hands-on experiences

Mathe m atics

Children spend time developing a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, using a range of adult-directed teaching and child-initiated investigation , which is extended in the second year (Oaks).

Phonics

In Phonics, our educators focus on the initial sounds in the first year of Nursery (Acorns). This is continued in Oaks where blending and reading activities are introduced to each child including some to do at weekends.

We use a blend of the Jolly Phonics and Read, Write, Inc. Phonics programmes.

Music

With our qualified music teacher, children follow a specific age-related music programme once a week , concentrating on pitch, volume and following a steady beat. They experiment with songs, rhymes and percussion instruments and are encouraged to learn songs with actions, showing good listening skills and expression in their performance.

Physical Education

Acorns children have the opportunity to involve themselves once a week in physical activities with our PE teacher. This is extended to twice a week in Oaks. Lessons are structured in a playful way, allowing Nursery children the opportunity to broaden their physical skills and explore movement, also using a range of equipment from the Games Department.

French

French is taught once a week by our specialist French teacher who teaches across the school. Words and songs are related to the creative curriculum and a range of props are used to keep the sessions fun and exciting.

Acorns Oaks

8:30 - 9:00

Children arrive at school.

9:15 - 11:10

Play-based learning activities.

Outside play in our Sustainable playground.

11:45

Children from morning session are collected.

Children from full day session are having lunch.

12:15 - 13:00

Rest/Sleep time for full day session children.

12:45 - 13:00

Children from afternoon session arrive at school.

13:00 - 15:00

Curriculum activities and Outside play.

15:45

Children from afternoon session are collected.

15:00 - 17:30

Start of the after-school care.

8:30 - 9:00

Children arrive at school.

9:00 - 09:55

Play-based learning activities.

09:55 - 10:25

Outside play in our Sustainable playground.

10:25 - 11:40

Snack Time.

Curriculum activities.

11:40 - 12:45

Lunch in the hall.

Outside play in our Adventure playground.

12:45 - 15:00

Play-based learning and Curriculum activities. Snack Time. Storytime.

15:00 - 18:00

Children are collected.

Start of the after-school care.

Outdoor learning takes place in the refurbished Nursery playground We designed our playground with clear areas to learn and play. The children’s gross motor skills are supported by an imaginative climbing area designated of messy play in our sandpit, water pipe collaboration, imagination and gives the children the confidence to take risks in a safe environment. In Oaks, children get a chance to experience our Forest School week, accumulating various

The children enjoy a delicious, nutritious lunch, prepared daily on-site by the Chef and his team. All dietary needs and allergies are catered for. Acorns will eat in their classroom while Oaks in the Long Hall with their friends. A selection of fruit and homemade desserts are also available every day. The children are provided with a biscuit and fruit snack each morning and afternoon.

All of our lunches are prepared daily on-site.

The Nursery is part of Devonshire House School, based in No. 6 Arkwright Road. It has good-sized rooms, excellent facilities and an amazing outdoor play area.

The décor is light, bright and airy with plenty of space for the children to explore. Our environment is carefully considered to ensure your child’s first steps away from home are positive and in a safe , secure and stimulating environment.

Resources and equipment reflect a sustainable approach which is also filtered in some areas throughout the school, with real life objects, and natural and upcycled transient materials.

During the Summer Holiday 2023, we will complete a full refurbishment of the Nursery space with new beautiful and adapted furniture. Children will take autonomy in their learning experiences and move around to make choices freely, guided by adults.