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We follow the Foundation Stage curriculum, the Foundation stage is from 3 years up until the end of your child’s reception year.

The Foundation stage consists of Stepping stones and Early Learning Goals, children progress through the Stepping Stones while at Nursery and some children also achieve many of the Early Learning Goals, the Early Learning Goals should have been achieved by the end of the child’s reception year at school.

At Loddon Nursery School we focus on a different letter of the alphabet each week. Throughout the week we explore the phonic sound through a range of practical and written activities.

We enjoy focussing on different topics to create new learning experiences for the children, we strive to provide many resources to capture the children’s imagination and interest.

The Six Areas of Learning

1) Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Which includes; developing independence, building self esteem, gaining an awareness of others and their feelings, sharing and turn taking, self help skills, large and small group work and a developing awareness of the rules and the behaviour that is expected of them. Children take turns to pour the drinks for the other children and enjoy having their turn as a drinks helper.

2) Communication, Language and Literacy
Which includes; Developing listening skills through stories, songs, rhymes and poems, allowing self expression, learning phonics through practical and written activities, learning to correctly form letters through a range of written and practical activities e.g. shaving foam, sand tray and whiteboards, progressing to name and word writing. Using language through role play and imaginative play. We also operate a shared reading scheme once your child is ready. We also have a library where children and their Parents/Carers are able to choose books together to take home. Book bags are available to purchase.

3) Mathematical Development
Which includes; developing early mathematical skills and concepts through; counting, sorting, matching, comparing and sequencing. Encouraging shape and number recognition, introducing appropriate mathematical language, number rhymes, board games, forming numbers and problem solving.

4) Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Which includes; early science and technology skills through activities and equipment such as; magnets, electricity kit, magnifying glasses, friction vehicles, torches, remote control toys and electronic cash till.
We have a computer with a wide variety of educational games which children are encouraged to use. We raise children’s awareness of the immediate environment by visiting places such as the library and the Police and Fire station. They gain an awareness of the wider world through topics and projects e.g. ‘Chinese New Year’. Children have many opportunities to use natural and man made materials during activities such as ‘woodwork’ children are able to use many tools in a safe manner. Children experience cookery and are able to observe the change that takes place when some foods are cooked.
Children are encouraged to try new foods at snack time.

5) Physical Development
Which includes; enabling children to move their bodies confidently and imaginatively, gaining an awareness of space and others through indoor and outdoor play. Encouraging the use of a variety of small and large equipment to develop fine and gross motor skills. Children begin to learn about their bodies and how to keep healthy. The use of construction materials encourages 3D structures and model making.

6) Creative Development
Which includes; providing valuable opportunities for children to explore; sound, texture, materials, colour, shape, form and space. To respond to their senses through; art, music, dance, stories and imaginative play.