Our Curriculum
We encourage children to pursue their passions and interests by providing an environment that invites children to explore, collaborate, reflect and communicate using a wide range of resources. We follow the key principles of the emergent curriculum philosophy; these are essential components of our work.
The image we have of the child guides all our decisionmaking, educators view children as competent, full of wonder, committed to relationships, willing to investigate, reflect and collaborate. This insight of children shapes our decisions about how to arrange our environment, schedule our days and plan our curriculum.
We think of the learning environment as a co-educator, setting the tone for children’s days in the learning spaces and inviting them to explore, collaborate, reflect and communicate with a range of resources. Equally, the routine of each day allows for extended stretches of open-ended time during which the children can pursue their questions, passions and developmental next steps. Curriculum planning is based on observation. Educators observe children as they play, paying close attention to recurring themes, schemas, children’s understandings and misunderstandings, developmental issues and underlying questions. Our observations guide our curriculum planning, as we create opportunities for children to deepen their thinking, represent their understandings and encounter new perspectives.
Our Approach to Learning
At Little Wonders Day Nursery, we create an inspiring environment where children are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests. Our spaces are designed to invite exploration, collaboration, and communication, supported by a range of resources. Rooted in the principles of the emergent curriculum philosophy, our approach is child-centred, fostering meaningful learning experiences.
We see every child as capable, curious and full of potential. Our educators recognise children as active participants in their own learning, committed to building relationships, exploring their world, and collaborating with peers. This understanding informs every decision we make, from designing our learning environment to shaping daily routines and planning the curriculum.
The learning environment itself acts as a co-educator, thoughtfully arranged to inspire curiosity and engagement. It provides open-ended opportunities to children to explore their questions, express their ideas, and connect with others. Our daily routines include ample stretches of uninterrupted time, allowing children to dive into their passions, interests and developmental milestones.
Curriculum planning at Little Wonders Day Nursery is driven by careful observation. Our educators actively observe children during play, identifying patterns, themes, schemas, and developmental stages. These observations inform how we plan activities and experiences that deepen understanding, spark curiosity, and encourage new perspectives. Through this approach, we ensure that each child is supported in their unique journey of growth and discovery.
We believe that by fostering a love for learning in an environment rich with possibilities, children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is how the government and early years professionals describe the time in your child’s life between birth and the age of 5. The EYFS framework exists to support all professionals working in early years and was developed in conference with several early years experts and parents. During their early years, your child will be learning skills, learning new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through seven areas of learning and development. Children should mostly develop the three prime areas first.
These are:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in four specific areas.
These are:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding of the world
- Expressive arts and design
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is how the government and early years professionals describe the time in your child’s life between birth and the age of 5. The EYFS framework exists to support all professionals working in early years and was developed in conference with several early years experts and parents. During their early years, your child will be learning skills, learning new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through seven areas of learning and development. Children should mostly develop the three prime areas first. These are:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in four specific areas.
These are:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding of the world
- Expressive arts and design