Nursery Teaching and learning

The nursery at Stourview Academy is where your child's educational journey begins and adventures await. Stourview Academy Nursery offers teacher-led education for two, three and four year olds and is a fantastic place for children to begin their learning and development.

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good home experiences and high-quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. 

The nursery is led by an Early Years Lead Teacher who is responsible for the educational content and delivering the early years curriculum within an environment which enables outstanding provision for learning, development, growth and hunger for each child to reach their full potential. 

We use an open-ended learning style and resources to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in children. We see every child  as a dynamic learner, full of creative potential. Our expertly trained and knowledgeable Educators carefully follow the interests of each child and encourage them to lead their own play, inspired by the world around them. When appropriate, our Educators will scaffold around play to create structure and extend learning. This ensures the highest quality of early years practice and provision and successful outcomes for all children.

We believe in empowering children to become confident and independent learners. Our staff encourage children to make choices, solve problems, and develop their social skills through collaborative play and group activities. We celebrate each child's achievements, no matter how small, to build their self-esteem and confidence.

Inquisitive toddlers 

We ensure thoughtfully planned play and open-ended activities will expand your child’s knowledge and understanding of themselves and the world around them. Your child will have access to a variety of materials, equipment and activities, from building blocks and puzzles to messy play including painting and play dough. We will support your child’s learning throughout, and place their enjoyment of the process at the centre of their development. We know each child is an individual and will learn at their own pace, with successful exploration being key at this stage.

Three & four year olds:

Our nursery children enjoy an environment that excites and prepares them to go on to flourish at school. At this age, your child will importantly explore and learn about their world, with a drive to challenge and develop their individual interests. We encourage children to contribute and incorporate their preferences into their learning, as well as participating in activities that help them learn key sociable life skills. We continually observe, assess and respond to your child’s learning in all development areas, and offer a curriculum based on their interests to ensure they have meaningful and learning opportunities. 

Typical daily activities include and teach:

• Communication such as speaking and listening via story-telling and reading

• Exploration via hands-on problem solving and experimenting 

• Physical activities from scissor control to climbing and skipping 

• Expressive arts such as painting or role-play 

• Social and emotional development through group activities, learning to share and problem solve

• Mathematical skills by counting, sorting and matching

There are close links with Reception teaching and pupils which helps the transition from Nursery to Reception for those children later attending Stourview Academy. 

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.

The EYFS seeks to provide:

• Quality and consistency in all early years setting, so that every child makes good progress and no child gets left behind.

• A secure foundation through learning and development opportunities that are planned around the needs and interests of each individual child and are assessed and reviewed regularly.

• Partnership working between practitioners and with parents and/or carers

• Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that every child is included and supported.

There are 7 areas of learning and development that must shape our educational provision, these areas are all important and interconnected.

The first three are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn. These three areas are called the Prime Areas. 

• Communication and Language

• Physical Development

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

These are followed with four Specific Areas, through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied.

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive arts and Design

All seven areas of learning are underpinned by the Characteristics of Effective Learning. These are key in understanding how young children learn and develop. 

Tapestry Online Learning Journal 

At Stourview Academy Nursery we use an online learning journal system called ‘Tapestry’.  This means that you will be able to see the things they have been up to during the day giving you the opportunity to support your child's learning further when at home. 

We encourage you to upload your own observations of your child at home as this creates a bigger picture of your child’s development and supports our parent partnership links. 

Over time this journal builds a wonderful picture of your child’s special time with us at Kelvedon Academy Nursery.

At the end of each nursery year your child's key person will share with you a brief written summary about how your child is working within the Early Years Framework.

Parent consultations 

We hold regular parent consultations throughout the year. This gives you an opportunity to talk with your child’s key worker and see what they enjoy at nursery

Stay and Play Sessions. 

We hold stay and play sessions throughout the year to celebrate different events at nursery.

Come and talk to us. We are aware that all children have particular needs from time to time and if you should have any concerns please feel free to talk to us.

We have an open door policy so If you would like to speak with your child’s class teacher or key worker, you are welcome to chat with them briefly when dropping off or collecting your child.