Learning at Abbey View Nursery

Pupils follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which provides learning opportunities in seven different areas. These include: Communication and Language, Literacy, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Mathematics, Physical Development, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. The framework leads into your child’s future school setting and is centred on learning through play and exploration. Observations and assessments will take place for each child. More information about this will be provided after the children have started in September. We will keep parents well informed of their child's progress, throughout the Nursery year.

Circle Time

 All children will take part in circle time in the morning and sessions will be repeated with the children in the afternoon. Circle time allows practitioners and children to talk, sing, and play together. We like to lead children into discussing daily information, such as who is present or absent, what the weather is like and to introduce the day’s activities. By encouraging children to sit together and participate, they are building an understanding of focused activities and group participation. The children will be given the opportunity to sing songs they have learned, discover new songs, use musical instruments and move their body to the rhythm. This all helps to build an accurate picture of children’s skills and abilities to establish the best support tailored to their individual needs.

Sensory and Messy Play

Messy play has a big role in the Nursery as it helps to encourage children’s fine manipulative skills, their senses and encourages social interaction. We often use foam, jelly, soil and many other exciting materials to explore. Sensory play consists of exploring all of your child’s senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Activities include food, environmental music, smelly bags containing a variety of natural plants such as lavender and using sensory lights and equipment.

Creative Play

Arts and crafts is a daily activity at Abbey View Nursery – paint, glue, glitter, sequins and junk modelling will be at your child’s disposal. Young children learn through first-hand experience, through watching, copying, trying out, practising, refining, and consolidating. By setting themselves challenges and making sense of their experiences. For this reason, creative play is a key way in which young children learn. It provides them with an opportunity to explore a range of experiences and assimilate their learning within an enjoyable and meaningful context.

Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is an important part of the day here at Nursery. We like to see the children outside running around and having fun, whatever the weather! To enable us to do this in all weathers we ask that you send in warm clothing in the winter and a sun hat in the summer.