Welcome to Churchfields Nursery page

My name is Mrs Cordina and I am the Nursery Year Group Leader at Churchfields Infants' School.

 

 

 

Our Nursery follows the national Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, which has seven main areas of development.  Through developmentally appropriate play, including both adult and child initiated learning, we offer a variety of exciting experiences that will enable all children to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to progress in their learning.

The Early Years framework is divided into seven areas, which are all important and interconnected. The three ‘prime’ areas are crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. 

Prime Areas

Communication and Language Development - This involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment, to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves, and to speak and listen in a range of situations.  Children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking and listening and by hearing and responding to stories, songs and rhymes.

 

 

Physical Development

Children are encouraged to be active and interactive, and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement.  Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.  A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, allow children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use of their bodily skills.  Adult support enables children to safely create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing.  Children are also supported in the development of fine motor skills required to use tools, including pens and pencils, and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development – Children are encouraged to form positive relationships and develop respect for others, to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings, to understand appropriate behaviour in groups, and to have confidence in their own abilities.  Within a nurturing environment, children are individually supported in developing confidence, autonomy and self-respect. 

Specific Areas

Literacy – We provide a wide variety of quality texts to inspire children’s enthusiasm for books.  Our book corner is cosy and welcoming and books are available throughout the setting.  We read stories every day and share non-fiction texts to support the children’s interests.  Children are encouraged to access books independently.  We provide a range of mark making opportunities, both inside and out, and encourage mark making for a purpose.  We use the Letters and Sounds program to provide a comprehensive foundation for the development of phonics skills.

Mathematics - Children are given opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems, and to describe shapes, space, and measures.  By means of adult-supported, practical and child initiated activities, children become familiar with sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities which form the basis for early mathematics. 

 

Understanding the World 

Children are encouraged to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places and the environment.  A safe and stimulating environment allows children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials.  They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patterns and similarities, and to share their findings with others. 

 

Expressive Arts and Design 

Children explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, and are encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities.  Art equipment is available for all children to explore.  Children join in with, and respond to, music, movement and song, and there are many opportunities for imaginative play.

 

 

Characteristics of Effective Learning

We aim to create an environment which fosters the development of the Characteristics of Effective Learning, which are:

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.

 

For further details, please see below.