Our New Nursery Space is NOW OPEN! 

Contact us today for a visit and to book your place!

Curriculum Intent

At Brailsford C of E Primary School Nursery, our curriculum intent is rooted in our whole-school vision:

“Happy, successful children embracing life in all its fullness.”

We provide a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating early years environment where children are encouraged to develop a love of learning and grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity.

Our nursery curriculum aims to support every child to flourish by laying strong foundations for lifelong learning. We focus on developing the whole child, ensuring that children are emotionally secure, socially confident, and ready to engage with the world around them. 

We promote key values that underpin both our Christian ethos and early years practice:

Love and Respect

We create a warm and caring environment where children feel safe, valued, and respected. Strong relationships with adults and peers help children develop empathy, kindness, and an understanding of others.

Curiosity and Joy in Learning

We inspire children to explore, investigate, and ask questions through a play-based curriculum that nurtures a love of discovery. Learning is designed to be meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable.

Independence and Confidence

Children are encouraged to make choices, take risks, and develop resilience. Through carefully planned experiences, they build self-belief and a sense of achievement.

Inclusion and Belonging

We celebrate individuality and ensure all children, regardless of need or background, feel included and supported. Our curriculum promotes mutual respect and understanding of differences.

Curriculum Enhancers

To enrich learning in our nursery, we prioritise:

• Play-Based Learning: High-quality continuous provision indoors and outdoors supports exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.

• Communication and Language: A strong focus on speaking, listening, and vocabulary development underpins all areas of learning.

• Outdoor Learning: Regular access to outdoor environments encourages physical development, risk-taking, and a connection to nature.

• Creativity: Through art, music, role-play, and storytelling, children express themselves and develop imagination.

• Community and Values: Children begin to understand their place in the school and wider community, reflecting the school’s Christian values and British values.

Our ultimate goal is that every child leaves nursery as a confident, capable learner who is ready for the transition into Reception and beyond, We provide a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of school life. .

Curriculum Implementation

The nursery curriculum at Brailsford is delivered through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring a balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning.

Long-Term Plans for Mixed Age Groups:
Curriculum planning reflects the needs of mixed-age classes by carefully structuring long-term plans that support a range of ages and stages. Teachers ensure that learning builds progressively and is appropriate for all pupils across different year groups.

Quality First Teaching:
A strong emphasis is placed on high-quality classroom teaching. By delivering well-planned, effective lessons, teachers provide all pupils with secure foundations in key knowledge and skills.  

Play-Based Approach

Learning is primarily delivered through structured play, allowing children to explore, practise skills, and deepen understanding in a meaningful way.  Following the introduction of new learning, pupils are given opportunities to revisit and practise concepts. These activities help strengthen understanding and enable children to apply their learning with confidence.  Adults play a key role in modelling language, extending thinking, and supporting learning through high-quality interactions that respond to children’s interests and developmental needs.

Inclusion (SEND):

All children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, are fully supported to access the curriculum. Provision is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

Differentiation:
Teaching is adapted to meet the differing abilities and needs of pupils. This may include modifying tasks, resources, or approaches so that all children can engage successfully and make progress.

Knowledge Organisers:
Teachers use knowledge organisers to present key information clearly for each topic. These resources highlight essential vocabulary, facts, and concepts, supporting pupils’ understanding and recall.  Learning experiences are sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time, preparing children for the next stage of their education.

Developing Vocabulary:
There is a strong focus on building vocabulary across the curriculum. Pupils are supported to develop a rich language base, enabling them to communicate effectively and understand increasingly complex ideas.

Well-Planned Environment

The indoor and outdoor learning spaces are carefully organised to provide rich opportunities across all areas of the EYFS, supporting independence and engagement.

Enhancements:

Additional opportunities are provided to enrich learning, including trips, visitors, workshops, and wider experiences. These activities enhance the curriculum and help bring learning to life.

Partnership with Parents

Strong relationships with families are central to success. Parents are actively involved in their child’s learning journey through communication, shared experiences, and support.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of the Brailsford nursery curriculum is seen in children who are:

Happy, Secure Learners

Children feel safe and valued, enabling them to engage confidently with others and the learning environment.

Confident Communicators

With a strong emphasis on language, children develop the ability to express their needs, ideas, and thoughts effectively.

Independent and Resilient

Children show increasing independence, perseverance, and willingness to take on new challenges.

Socially and Emotionally Developed

They form positive relationships, demonstrate empathy, and begin to understand how to manage their feelings and behaviour.

Curious and Engaged

Children develop a love of learning through exploration and play, showing enthusiasm and motivation.