Our Curriculum 

At St Mary’s Nursery, our curriculum is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and underpinned by the belief that every child is unique. We aim for all children to develop a love of learning, curiosity, and independence, build resilience and confidence to take risks and explore the world around them. To form positive relationships and a strong sense of self and be supported to reach their full individual potential, regardless of background or ability. We take an early intervention approach to ensure children with potential additional needs are identified quickly and supported effectively. 

How we implement our curriculum  

Our curriculum is child-led and delivered through in-the-moment planning. Practitioners respond to children’s interests and needs as they arise, using high-quality interactions to extend learning in meaningful ways. Our continuous provision is carefully designed to reflect all seven areas of learning and offer open-ended opportunities for play, exploration, and challenge. Key person relationships are central, Practitioners know their key children deeply and use their knowledge of child development to guide next steps. Learning is captured and celebrated through professional observation, reflection, and discussion rather than rigid planning documents. The environment is free-flow, inclusive, and enabling, supporting children to lead their own learning both indoors and outdoors. 

How do we know the impact of our curriculum? 

We measure the effectiveness of our curriculum through the progress children make from their starting points, their confidence as learners, and their enthusiasm to engage. By the time children leave us, they are curious, motivated, and eager to learn, effective communicators and problem-solvers, confident, kind, and resilient individuals who are ready for the next stage in their learning journey, having achieved their own full potential.