Policies | Christian Nursery School in Coventry

Introduction

LoveSpring Nursery School is committed to providing an exceptional early years curriculum that inspires curiosity, fosters development, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of each child while ensuring they develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for future success.

We serve children aged 6 months to 5 years at our Coventry location (CV1 5HA), and our curriculum is specifically tailored to support development through the crucial early years stages.

1. Our Curriculum Vision

Core Principles

Our curriculum is designed to enable children to:

Develop confidence in themselves as capable, curious learners
Build loving, respectful relationships with peers and adults
Achieve excellence through appropriate challenge and support
Explore their environment with wonder and excitement
Communicate effectively and express themselves creatively
Develop independence and problem-solving skills

2. Early Years Foundation Stage Framework

2.1 The Seven Areas of Learning

Area of Learning	Focus Areas	Learning Approach
Communication & Language	Listening, attention, understanding, speaking	Stories, songs, conversations, listening activities
Physical Development	Gross motor, fine motor, health, self-care	Outdoor play, manipulative activities, movement games
Personal, Social & Emotional	Self-regulation, relationships, self-awareness	Group activities, role-play, circle time, positive reinforcement
Literacy	Comprehension, word reading, writing	Phonics, mark-making, storytelling, book exploration
Mathematics	Number, numerical patterns, shape, space, measure	Practical activities, games, puzzles, real-life contexts
Understanding the World	People, culture, communities, technology, nature	Exploration, visits, experiments, cultural celebrations
Expressive Arts & Design	Creating, imagining, performing	Art, music, dance, drama, construction

2.2 Characteristics of Effective Learning

We foster these essential learning characteristics:

Playing and Exploring: Engagement, investigation, trying new things
Active Learning: Motivation, persistence, enjoyment of achievement
Creating and Thinking Critically: Problem-solving, making connections, developing ideas

3. Age-Specific Curriculum Approach

3.1 Developmental Stages

Age Group	Curriculum Focus	Key Experiences
Babies (6-18 months)	Sensory exploration, attachment, communication foundations	Sensory play, songs, peek-a-boo, treasure baskets, mirror play
Toddlers (18-36 months)	Language development, independence, social skills	Simple puzzles, water play, block building, pretend play, outdoor exploration
Pre-schoolers (3-5 years)	School readiness, complex thinking, extended social interactions	Phonics activities, number games, collaborative projects, problem-solving tasks

3.2 Our Learning Environment

Purposeful Spaces

Our nursery is organized into carefully planned learning areas:

Cosy Corner: Quiet reading and reflection space
Creative Studio: Art, craft and design activities
Construction Zone: Building, designing and problem-solving
Investigation Station: Science, nature and discovery
Role Play Area: Imaginative and social development
Outdoor Classroom: Physical development and nature connection

4. Our Pedagogical Approach

4.1 Four-Stage Learning Process

Engage - Explore - Create - Share

ENGAGE: Spark curiosity through memorable experiences and questions
EXPLORE: Investigate, discover and develop new skills and understanding
CREATE: Apply learning in new contexts through creative expression
SHARE: Celebrate achievements and reflect on learning journey

4.2 Key Teaching Strategies

Strategy	Implementation	Learning Outcome
Play-based Learning	Structured and free play opportunities	Intrinsic motivation, social skills, problem-solving
Adult-led Activities	Small group focused teaching	Specific skill development, new concept introduction
Child-initiated Learning	Following children's interests and questions	Ownership of learning, deep engagement
Outdoor Learning	Regular access to outdoor environment	Physical development, risk assessment, nature connection

5. Literacy and Mathematics Foundations

5.1 Early Literacy Development

Literacy Area	Activities	Progression
Phonics & Reading	Sound games, rhyming, letter recognition, story sessions	Environmental print → Letter sounds → Blending → Early reading
Mark-making & Writing	Scribbling, painting, tracing, name writing	Random marks → Controlled patterns → Letter formation → Words
Communication	Show and tell, conversations, listening games	Single words → Phrases → Sentences → Extended conversation

5.2 Mathematical Thinking

Mathematical Concepts

Number: Counting, recognition, ordering, simple operations
Shape & Space: Pattern recognition, spatial awareness, properties
Measure: Comparison, sequencing, time awareness
Problem-solving: Logical thinking, prediction, reasoning

6. Personal, Social and Emotional Development

6.1 Key Skills Development

Skill Area	Learning Opportunities	Support Strategies
Self-Regulation	Calm spaces, emotion cards, mindfulness activities	Consistent routines, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement
Social Skills	Group games, sharing activities, collaborative projects	Modelling, social stories, peer support, guided interactions
Independence	Self-care tasks, choice-making, problem-solving activities	Scaffolded support, encouragement, celebration of effort
Resilience	Challenging tasks, trying new things, learning from mistakes	Growth mindset language, process praise, safe risk-taking

6.2 British Values & Cultural Understanding

Promoting Fundamental Values

Democracy: Making choices, voting on activities, sharing opinions
Rule of Law: Understanding nursery rules, fairness, consequences
Individual Liberty: Expressing preferences, trying new things
Mutual Respect: Kindness, sharing, listening to others
Tolerance: Celebrating diversity, different families and traditions

7. Assessment and Progress Tracking

7.1 Ongoing Assessment Methods

Assessment Type	Frequency	Purpose
Observational Assessment	Daily	Capture spontaneous learning moments
Learning Journals	Weekly updates	Document progress and achievements
Development Matters Tracking	Termly	Monitor progress against age expectations
Two-Year Progress Check	At age 2	Formal assessment and partnership with parents
EYFS Profile	End of Reception year	Summative assessment for school transition

7.2 Partnership with Parents

Working Together

Regular parent consultations (termly)
Daily verbal updates at collection time
Shared learning journals with parent contributions
Workshops on supporting learning at home
Celebration of achievements together

8. Inclusion and Adaptation

8.1 Supporting All Learners

Support Need	Adaptation Strategies	Resources
SEND	Individual plans, visual supports, additional adult support	SENCO, external agencies, specialist equipment
EAL	Visual cues, key vocabulary, home language support	Dual language books, translation apps, cultural resources
Gifted & Talented	Extension activities, deeper questioning, advanced resources	Challenge cards, open-ended resources, specialist input
Physical Needs	Environment adaptations, specialized equipment	Physiotherapy programs, accessible resources

9. Monitoring and Evaluation

9.1 Quality Assurance

Review Activity	Frequency	Responsibility
Curriculum Planning Review	Half-termly	Room Leaders & Nursery Manager
Learning Environment Audit	Termly	Management Team
Progress Data Analysis	Termly	SENCO & Nursery Manager
Parent Feedback	Annually	All Staff
Full Policy Review	Annual	Nursery Manager & Owner

9.2 Success Measures

Children making good progress from their starting points
High levels of engagement and enjoyment in learning
Positive feedback from parents and external agencies
Successful transitions to primary school
Ofsted recognition of curriculum quality

10. Contact Information

Curriculum Lead: [Nursery Manager's Name]

SENCO: [SENCO's Name]

Early Years Coordinator: [Coordinator's Name]

LoveSpring Nursery School: Coventry, CV1 5HA

Telephone: +44 (0)24 1234 5678

Email: curriculum@lovespringnursery.co.uk

Date of Policy: [Current Date]

Last Reviewed: [Current Date]

Next Review Due: [One year from current date]

Signed: _________________________

Position: Nursery Manager/Owner, LoveSpring Nursery School

Introduction

1. Our Curriculum Vision

Core Principles

2. Early Years Foundation Stage Framework

2.1 The Seven Areas of Learning

2.2 Characteristics of Effective Learning

3. Age-Specific Curriculum Approach

3.1 Developmental Stages

3.2 Our Learning Environment

Purposeful Spaces

4. Our Pedagogical Approach

4.1 Four-Stage Learning Process

Engage - Explore - Create - Share

4.2 Key Teaching Strategies

5. Literacy and Mathematics Foundations

5.1 Early Literacy Development

5.2 Mathematical Thinking

Mathematical Concepts

6. Personal, Social and Emotional Development

6.1 Key Skills Development

6.2 British Values & Cultural Understanding

Promoting Fundamental Values

7. Assessment and Progress Tracking

7.1 Ongoing Assessment Methods

7.2 Partnership with Parents

Working Together

8. Inclusion and Adaptation

8.1 Supporting All Learners

9. Monitoring and Evaluation

9.1 Quality Assurance

9.2 Success Measures

10. Contact Information

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Curriculum Policy

Introduction

1. Our Curriculum Vision

Core Principles

2. Early Years Foundation Stage Framework

2.1 The Seven Areas of Learning

2.2 Characteristics of Effective Learning

3. Age-Specific Curriculum Approach

3.1 Developmental Stages

3.2 Our Learning Environment

Purposeful Spaces

4. Our Pedagogical Approach

4.1 Four-Stage Learning Process

Engage - Explore - Create - Share

4.2 Key Teaching Strategies

5. Literacy and Mathematics Foundations

5.1 Early Literacy Development

5.2 Mathematical Thinking

Mathematical Concepts

6. Personal, Social and Emotional Development

6.1 Key Skills Development

6.2 British Values & Cultural Understanding

Promoting Fundamental Values

7. Assessment and Progress Tracking

7.1 Ongoing Assessment Methods

7.2 Partnership with Parents

Working Together

8. Inclusion and Adaptation

8.1 Supporting All Learners

9. Monitoring and Evaluation

9.1 Quality Assurance

9.2 Success Measures

10. Contact Information

Subscribe to get free updates and newsletters

Quick Links

Parent Resources

Legal & Policies