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Our Curriculum

Here at Grove House we give our children the best start by providing exciting play experiences which allow them to follow their interest and further their learning.  

At Grove House Nursery School, children will have opportunities to take part in practical experiences, using real resources and a range of natural materials. We know that children have a better learning experience using well thought out equipment in a carefully planned environment, that is rich in variety. Children learn indoors and outdoors, supported by qualified and experienced practitioners. Children learn through play which is the most effective way for young children to thrive.

​At Grove House Nursery School, we support children’s progress in development and learning by using a framework called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This statutory framework sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five years old. We also use the non statutory guidance, Birth to Five Matters (please select below) which helps us to plan and teach a curriculum that is age appropriate,  for babies and children under 5.​

Children develop quickly in early years and we aim to do all we can to help children have the best possible start in life. Children are supported to develop their personalities, talents and abilities irrespective of their ethnicity, culture, religion, belief, home language, family background, socio-economic factors, learning difficulties, disabilities or gender.

When teaching the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the Birth to Five Matters curriculum all staff members are guided by 4 principles these are:

​Unique Child

we recognise that every child is learning from birth and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

​Positive Relationships

we know that children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.

​Enabling Environments

we know that the children’s learning and development will be successful in an environment that provides a broad range of experiences to meet the needs of all children and strong partnerships with parents or carers.

​Learning and Development

we understand that children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates no matter what their starting point or individual needs are.

Children will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 interconnected areas of learning and development.

Prime Areas

The prime areas are those most essential for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm to learn, form relationships and thrive. 
 

These are:

​Personal, Social and Emotional Development

developing a positive sense of themselves and others; forming positive relationships and respect for others; developing their social skills and managing their feelings; behaving appropriately in groups and having confidence in their own abilities.

​Communication and Language

experiencing a rich language environment; developing their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

​Physical Development

being active and interactive; developing co-ordination, control and movement; understanding the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food.

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Specific areas
As children learn and develop, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas.

 These are:

​Mathematics

developing their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers; calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; describing shapes, spaces and measures.

​Literacy

access to a wide range of reading materials to ignite children’s interest; linking sounds and letters, and beginning to read and write.

​Expressive Arts and Design

exploring and playing with a wide range of media and materials; sharing thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design and technology.

​Understanding the World

guiding children to make sense of their physical world and community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Further information about the Early Years Foundation Stage can be found by clicking the links below:

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage