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Our curriculum is the framework that we use to build and expand the knowledge and experiences each child BRINGS WITH THEM TO NURSERY, and which in partnership with parents will create confident, independent learners.
The curriculum refers to a framework of planned learning experiences based on different aspects of children’s development and learning. A curriculum framework which is produced by the Scottish Office helps staff to plan activities and experiences which promote children's development and learning in each of their key aspects.
EMOTIONAL, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL
Staff are careful to create an environment where children can develop feelings of security and self-confidence.
Activities are provided e.g. role-play games, large construction, and board games that encourage co-operation, taking turns and sharing with each other. Staff recognizes the different levels of children’s play and are therefore aware of what can be expected of each individual child.
COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE
We develop these skills during many activities in the Nursery. Children enjoy 'telling their news' to their friends at News Time. Here they can re-tell special events e.g. getting new shoes, a visit to the park or anything they feel is of importance to them. Activities like this (also in large group situations) not only builds self-confidence but also helps to develop children's ability to express their thoughts and feelings.
Books, songs, photographs, board games and group games e.g.- 'Listen and Do' where the children have to listen then follow instructions - 'can you find something yellow' Role-play activities, audiotapes. news time all promote listening as well as language development.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND MOVEMENT
Fine and small motor skills are promoted in the daily activities of dressing for outdoor play, using a spoon, then fork and knife etc. Equipment like threading beads, pencils, peg boards, small construction and sand and jigsaws which small pieces require careful and intricate handling, develop an increasing control of hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills.
Large motor skills are developed in many ways. Firstly by encouraging the children to walk not run inside Nursery, and making them aware of the space they have around them. How 'big' they may be in relation to space and smaller children in the room etc.
Outside children have the freedom of the large garden; we play ring games, imaginative games e.g. run as fast as a train, jump like a frog etc.
EXPRESSIVE AND AESTHETIC DEVELOPMENT
Staff are careful to provide a wide and varied range of activities and tools which encourage children to experiment with sight, touch and smell e.g. exploring new painting techniques, pencil, crayons, scissors, gluing, dough, clay and fabrics etc.
It is important to recognize the value of these experiences that provide enjoyable opportunities for children to express their thoughts and feelings as well as learning new skills are held within the process of activity rather than the finished result.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD
Here as in many other areas we allow the children's natural curiosity to let them 'find out' about their environment. We use practical activities e.g. gathering leaves, planting bulbs, educational toys, along with books, videos, songs and photographs to stimulate discussion and promote interest in their environment.
We use a variety of equipment and activities to develop early maths skills. Board games and jigsaw puzzles which expand the children's understanding of shape, colour, size etc. Pegboards, threading beads, sorting activities encourage recognition of pattern making skills.
BABIES AND TODDLERS
We have a specially adapted curriculum for our babies and toddlers. Innovations such as the treasure basket and planning will be shared with parents on a regular basis.
The children are taken on regular walks and have activities and experiences that take their stages of development into consideration.
The nursery also aims to make learning fun and enjoyable for each individual child
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