Teaching and Learning

At Abbey Wood Nursery School, we will ensure that the teaching and learning of young children, whatever their age and whatever their individual needs are, is of the highest quality.

Abbey Wood Nursery School will use the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure an appropriate early years curriculum for children 2 to 5 years.

Teaching and learning at our school will be delivered in a play based and child centred approach as we believe that this is how children learn most effectively. Learning and experiences will be rooted in children’s interests and developmental needs. Staff will skilfully balance child initiated play and interactions with adult led activities to introduce new skills, knowledge and vocabulary. Children will be encouraged to express themselves as individuals as we recognise that children's learning rates and styles are different.

Aims
Our aims are to:-

Ensure high quality teaching and learning in order to raise all children's achievement.
Ensure that all children are enabled/able to access the curriculum.
Ensure that the teaching and learning of young children is developmentally appropriate.
Establish high quality planning and assessment procedures to ensure we offer young children a broad, balanced and stimulating curriculum.
Ensure that the learning environment is of a high standard, is inclusive and represents the diverse community in which we serve.

Objectives
We will fulfil our aims through the following objectives:-

We will monitor the effectiveness of teaching through collecting data on children's achievements.
We will monitor the effectiveness of teaching through regular observations and monitoring.
We will develop effective home-school links, which will contribute to raising children's achievement.
We will provide an enabling and secure environment, which reflects diversity.
We will plan a curriculum and learning environment, which recognises that children's learning is holistic.
We will value children's previous experiences and achievements using them as a starting point for children's learning.
We will encourage children to make choices, become independent and develop resilience.
We will plan to cover all areas of children's learning on a long, medium and short-term basis to ensure continuity and progression in children's learning.
We will use observation and assessment procedures to plan for and extend children's learning.
We will maintain a high quality stimulating, learning environment, which provides continuity and progression for children's learning.

The curriculum
We will ensure that:-

All children have access to exploring the curricular goals as set out in the curriculum policy
Children take part in enrichment activities like Forest School, cooking, sewing and gardening
Staff are able to explore and create learning opportunities for children around individual interests, such as cooking or dressmaking.
Children are enabled to develop foundational skills which will support their future learning
Children are taught in ways which are inclusive, ensuring equal opportunities and access for all.
Children have opportunities to see themselves reflected in their learning and also learn about the lives and traditions of others. They will develop a sense of identity and respect.

The Characteristics of effective learning

The characteristics of effective learning will drive everyday observations of children and how practitioners will work with them in the moment and plan for their learning going forwards.

We will support children to:-

play and explore - children will investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
take part in active learning - children will be supported to concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties,
Create and think critically - children will develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.
Our focus for children’s learning will be on how children learn rather than what they learn
We will value process over outcome.
Develop attitudes about learning that will last a lifetime, having the aspiration that children will be creative, and adventurous learners.
Recognise that they are individuals who bring their own needs, talents and histories to the learning environment.

The learning Environment

Classrooms and outside spaces are designed to offer children independent access to resources to further their learning
Both classrooms and the garden will consist of resources, which form part of a predictable provision and items or activities which will enrich learning, planned based on children’s interests.
Classrooms will offer a cosy and calm setting promoting a sense of belonging and well-being.
The seven areas of the EYFS are reflected in the predictable provision of the classroom.
Opportunities for mathematical and literacy development are woven into every area by careful provision of resources and vocabulary.
Here is a high visibility of print in the classrooms in both handwritten and printed. For example mathematical language is represented at the sand and water area and key vocabulary is represented in the role play kitchens.
Children’s artwork and creations will be displayed proudly in rooms so that children can share them and take a sense of pride.
Classrooms have access to the use of age appropriate ICT equipment, which will be used occasionally to enhance learning.
Classrooms will reflect a range of children’s cultural identities through resources, books and displays.