Welcome to our Nursery, a caring, happy and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to enjoy learning, dream big and discover the world around them. We believe every child is unique and capable, and we are committed to nurturing confident, curious learners who feel safe, valued and excited about learning.

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Our Curriculum and Learning Approach

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We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, providing a rich, play‑based learning experience that supports children’s development across all areas of learning. Our experienced staff plan learning opportunities based on children’s interests, observations and individual next steps.

 

Children learn through a balance of adult‑guided activities and child‑initiated play, helping them to explore, problem‑solve, make choices and develop independence in a supportive environment. Please look at our EYFS Policy, available on our Policies page (https://www.castlefieldsprimary.co.uk/policies), for further information about our Early Years Foundation Stage provision.

 

Communication, Language and Vocabulary Development

 

Communication and language are at the heart of all learning in our Nursery. We support children to develop strong speaking, listening and vocabulary skills, which underpin success across the curriculum and prepare children for school.

 

Children are encouraged to:

 

• Express themselves confidently through talk and play

• Develop a broad and rich vocabulary linked to stories, themes and real‑life experiences

• Listen attentively and respond to others

• Ask questions, share ideas and explain their thinking

• Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and role‑play to develop understanding and sentence structure

 

Staff consistently model language and introduce new and ambitious vocabulary throughout daily routines and learning experiences.

 

Free-Flow Learning with Reception

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We offer free‑flow learning with Reception, enabling children to move confidently between environments. This approach supports a smooth transition into school, helping children become familiar with routines, expectations and learning spaces.

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Free‑flow learning encourages independence, communication, confidence and positive relationships, while providing continuity across the Early Years.

 

Supporting Individual Needs

 

We recognise that all children develop at different rates. Through careful observation and assessment, learning experiences are tailored to support individual needs, interests and abilities.

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We work closely with parents and carers to ensure every child feels safe, supported and included, and we provide additional support where needed.

 

Getting Ready for School

 

Preparing children for school is a key focus of our Nursery. We support children to become independent, resilient and confident learners, ready for a successful transition into Reception.

 

Developing Essential Pre-Learning Skills

 

We place strong emphasis on developing essential pre‑learning skills, including:

 

• Independence and self‑care

• Communication, listening and vocabulary development

• Confidence, turn‑taking and relationship building

• Early literacy through stories, mark‑making, early writing and Phase 1 phonics

• Early maths skills such as counting, sorting and recognising patterns and shapes

• Fine and gross motor development

• Positive learning behaviours such as focus, curiosity and perseverance

 

These skills help ensure children are well prepared for school and lifelong learning.

 

Outdoor Learning, Forest School and PE

 

Children take part in Forest School sessions, outdoor learning, and PE sessions led by experienced coaches. These opportunities support physical development, wellbeing, communication and confidence.

 

Forest School allows children to explore the natural environment, develop problem‑solving skills, build resilience and extend language through first‑hand experiences. PE sessions support coordination, movement, listening skills and teamwork in a fun and structured way.​

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