By Lyndsey Longworth (Curriculum Coordinator)

The journey each child makes through their nursery years is a Voyage of Discovery for all of us.

Some activities are continually available to your child. These 'continuous provision' activities include sand and water play stations, a 'home corner' and the reading area. They are resourced with equipment and supplies that each child can access so that they can shape their own personal voyage of discovery and be responsible for their own learning - child initiated learning.

Your child will choose the place where they will learn, for example the water area. They will choose the equipment they will need - a jug, watering can or spider. They will then use the equipment in many ways and by doing so, they will be developing fine manipulative skills, hand eye co-ordination, and the skill of pouring. They will also use the mathematical language of 'full' and 'empty', they will recall a nursery rhyme, engaging in imaginary play with 'Incy wincy spider' and as a result, they will be learning in all areas of the curriculum through one 'simple' area of activity. The voyage will then continue as they move on to the next area.

Your child's carer will facilitate this learning; by ensuring that resources are available, by observing what your child likes/dislikes, their skills, knowledge and understanding, and by talking about their experiences with you, their parent. We can then build on this by enhancing and mapping out your child's own Individual Learning Plan, their own customised voyage of discovery - a programme of learning that is adult initiated.

This personalised approach, focussed on your child's own individual needs and strengths, will ensure that they realise their full potential, successfully navigating their own pathway through the developmental milestones of their early years. And, as they do so, we will monitor, record and celebrate their progress with you.