Learning and Development

We aim to provide a broad and balanced range of experiences, covering all areas of children’s development with equal emphasis. Above all we aim to develop each child’s interests, meeting the needs of every child as an individual. We base our approach with the babies and children on the following principles:

• Parents, families/carers are central to the well being of the child.
• Relationships with other people (both adults and children) are of crucial importance in a child’s life.
• A relationship with a key person at nursery is essential to the children’s well being
• Babies and children are social beings and are competent learners from birth.
• Learning is a shared process and children learn most effectively when, with the support of a knowledgeable and trusted adult, they are actively involved and interested.
• Caring adults who provide a learning environment, which is safe, secure and welcoming, count more than resources and equipment.
• Schedules and routines must flow with the child’s needs.

• Children learn when they are given appropriate responsibility, allowed to make errors, decisions and choices, and respected as autonomous and competent learners.
• Children learn by doing rather than being told.
• Young children are vulnerable.
• They learn to be independent by having someone they can depend upon.
• Observation, assessment and evaluation are used to help plan and provide for children’s developmental needs and interests.