At RDN we work within The Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (EYFS) here. This sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.’
All our staff are trained to deliver and carry out the requirements set through our diverse curriculum and pedagogical approaches. We ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and is well prepared for the next step in their journey.
Our Curriculum: what we want children to learn
Rainbow Day Nurseries provide a curriculum that is broad and balanced and is focused on the needs of the children. It is well planned and sequenced based on clear knowledge of child development and evidenced based research. We understand the importance of giving children time and opportunities to consolidate and practice learning. This will allow learning to be embedded and ensure that what is taught moves from short term to long term memory, therefore, has been learnt. The sequential nature of the curriculum prepares children for transitions through their time at nursery as well as moving on to their next step of their journey.
The Educational programmes set out in the EYFS must involve activities and experiences for children, as set out under each of the areas of learning.
These are the prime areas:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
The specific areas are:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Our Pedagogy: How we teach the curriculum
Our approach to teaching is based on the needs and interests of the child, where a balance is struck between child and adult led activities. These activities and experiences both develop and extend learning within a language rich environment. Using natural resources, we aim to ignite curiosity and encourage children to explore and experiment. Our approach to curiosity and play, both inside and out is based on Friedrich Frobel’s notion of opening up possibilities, rather than constraining them. If you wish to read more, please see here.
Each nursery is unique and has varied approaches which are determined by the needs of the children and their families.