• Children’s learning and development

    We know that it is often daunting choosing a nursery, and even more so feeling that you have made the right decision afterwards, so we have both formal and informal communication with parents about each child’s daily routine and development. It’s amazing just how much our little ones get up to in a week from structured activities to free play.

  • Planning for the children’s learning

    This is done continuously within all of our rooms, according to your child’s individual needs and interests. Each room is open plan with ‘workshop areas’ and each area is fully equipped, offering a variety of experiences so children can learn through play and fulfil their potential, with adult interaction and support to lend a hand.

    Our environment offers your child the opportunity to explore and access resources that interest them. In addition, focus activities take place to build on interests or introduce new experiences. Here at Windmill Day Nursery, we follow 'In the Moment Planning'. Child-initiated play and child-led learning are widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to support young children in their natural curiosity. And, in-the-moment planning is one of the most effective ways to introduce child-led learning. Child-led learning is particularly effective because it means children are fully engaged and involved, which is linked to better brain development in developing children. Activities will be carried out according to these interests to further support the development of children's skills and abilities.

  • Early Years Foundation Stage

    The nursery works in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This statutory framework sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to 5 years, and it aims to provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.  All childcare providers are required to follow the EYFS to ensure that whatever setting parents choose, they can be confident that their child will receive a high quality experience that will have a major impact on their future life chances.

    By using the Early Years Foundation Stage in our daily practice, and incorporating it into how we monitor your child’s development, we can help your child fulfil their potential.

    Within the framework there are four guiding principles:
    • A Unique Child
    • Positive Relationships
    • Enabling Environments
    • Learning and Development

    Further information on the Early Years Foundation Stage is available for parents on the government education websites (search for Early Years Foundation Stage).

  • Working in partnership with parents

    Each child has a key person who is available for you to talk to at anytime. We ask for you to provide information about your child’s interests and their recent achievements every 6-8 weeks, which enable us to plan for the next steps in your child’s learning and development. These next steps are then shared with you, and they include some ideas about how you can support your child’s learning at home.

    In addition to the regular feedback you will receive from staff on your child’s progress, there are parents’ evenings held twice a year. These give you a chance to speak with your child’s key person and to jointly assess their progress and discuss how best to support their development.