Early Years Education

At St Vincent’s Nursery, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), providing a broad and exciting curriculum that supports every child to learn, develop and flourish.

The EYFS is built around seven areas of learning:

But for us, learning isn't about working through a checklist. Children learn best when they are curious, interested and actively involved in what they are doing.

Learning through Curiosity:

Our experienced practitioners create rich, inspiring environments where children can play, explore, investigate, create, problem-solve and follow their own ideas. We get to know each child's interests, strengths and individual stage of development, using these to provide experiences that challenge and extend their learning.

Rather than constantly directing children's play, our practitioners know when to observe, when to join in and when a carefully timed question, idea or resource can take learning that little bit further. These ‘in-the-moment’ interactions create some of our most meaningful teaching opportunities.

How children learn matters too...

Alongside what children learn, the EYFS recognises the importance of how they learn through the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning:

• Playing and Exploring – investigating, experiencing and having a go.

• Active Learning – concentrating, persevering and enjoying achievements.

• Creating and Thinking Critically – developing ideas, making connections and finding different ways to do things.

At St Vincent’s, we want children to become confident, curious and adventurous learners. By giving them the security to explore, the freedom to follow their interests and skilled adults who know how to extend their thinking, we're helping to build the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.