Our Curriculum Aims 

Our curriculum is based around our six images of the child which provides the foundation of our pedagogical approach.

1. Effective communicators – we recognise that children communicate in different ways and we will support children to express their feelings, wishes and needs.

2. To develop creatively and to be critical thinkers – supporting children to be active learners, inquisitive, curious in order to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge.

3. To be respectful and form positive relationships – have awareness of their place in the school and wider community treating others with kindness, thoughtfully, fairly and without discrimination.

4. To be resilient and recognise that they are unique –to develop children’s confidence so they can freely explore, and not be afraid to make and lean from mistakes.

5. To take risks – enjoy new experiences and adventures, embrace challenge and independently make their own choices.

6. To work as an individual and part of a team to actively solve problems – developing their confidence and taking pride in what they do with a real sense of accomplishment.

 Our goal is for children to make progress towards these Early Learning Goals by the time they are 4 years old and ready to transition to primary school.

 Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Show an understanding of their own feelings and those of others, and begin to regulate their behaviour accordingly.

• Set and work towards simple goals, being able to wait for what they want and control their immediate impulses when appropriate.

• Give focused attention to what the teacher says, responding appropriately even when engaged in activity, and show an ability to follow instructions involving several ideas or actions.

• Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge.

• Explain the reasons for rules, know right from wrong and try to behave accordingly.

• Manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs, including dressing, going to the toilet and understanding the importance of healthy food choices.

• Work and play cooperatively and take turns with others.

• Form positive attachments to adults and friendships with peers.

• Show sensitivity to their own and to others’ needs.

 Communication and Language

• Listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to and during whole class discussions and small group interactions.

• Make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify their understanding; - Hold conversation when engaged in back-and-forth exchanges with their teacher and peers.

• Participate in small group, class and one-to-one discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary.

• Offer explanations for why things might happen, making use of recently introduced vocabulary from stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems when appropriate.

• Express their ideas and feelings about their experiences using full sentences, including use of past, present and future tenses and making use of conjunctions, with modelling and support from their teacher.

Physical Development

• Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others.

• Demonstrate strength, balance and coordination when playing.

• Move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing.

• Hold a pencil effectively in preparation for fluent writing – using the tripod grip in almost all cases.

• Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paint brushes and cutlery.

• Begin to show accuracy and care when drawing.

At North Duffield Under Fives, we acknowledge that each child develops at their own pace and it is our responsibility to facilitate and support their unique learning journey.

Children with Additional Needs

There is no ‘one size fits all’ at North Duffield Under Fives and we take pride in been an inclusive setting, ensuring children of all abilities are able to make progress and meet their own individual goals.

We have a brilliant and passionate SENCO and trained practitioners who have a passion to support children with additional needs, giving them the extra love, care and time to help them succeed.

If you have any concerns regarding your child's development that you would like to discuss with our team, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to provide you with more detailed information on how we can support your child, including developing a personalized action plan and communicating with you regularly.