curriculum

Engaging minds & inspiring growth.

intro

Ensuring each child develops a love of learning during their time with us.

At Victoria House our focus is on creating a unique learning environment, in which each child can flourish and reach their full potential, we place value on the benefits of a nursery education in its own right, not just in preparation for school and aim to ensure each child develops a love of learning during their time with us.

We want to ignite a lifelong love of learning in every child and we do this through a gentle balance of free play and structured learning experiences.

our philosophy

Creative Early Years education with traditional British values.

We take a modern, creative approach to Early Years education while still upholding traditional British values of good manners, kindness and respect for others. Our philosophy follows the Early Years Foundation Stage approach but also takes inspiration from Montessori and Reggio Emilia pedagogies, focusing on emotional security, encouraging developing autonomy, self-confidence and interpersonal relationships as a basis for all other learning.

our purpose

Fostering confidence and a growth mindset in every child.

Our purpose at Victoria House is to foster self-belief in every child allowing them to develop into self-confident and competent young people. We reject the traditional notion of success (that getting something right is more important than attempting something new) and so encourage and reward children’s willingness to try new things, to question their knowledge and abilities and more importantly to feel pride in their attempts and develop an ability to learn from their failures.

This approach allows children to understand and recognise their true potential, develop an analytical mind and build the confidence needed to be able to make their own decisions and judgements.

We believe that constructive interactions between adults and children form the cornerstone of learning in the early years, our approach mirrors this and as a nursery we focus heavily on training staff to identify teachable moments.

nutrition

We offer a balanced menu that supports every child’s developmental needs.

We believe in nourishing young minds and bodies with thoughtfully curated menus, which feature a harmonious blend of plant-based and sustainably sourced options. Our dishes align with Early Years Guidelines to ensure every child receives wholesome, nourishing meals that support their growth and development, and we work alongside families to support them with alternatives for allergies, intolerances and cultural preferences. All meals are included within our fees.

Our approach also integrates hands-on learning with healthy eating habits, ensuring that children build a positive relationship with food while acquiring practical skills such as table conversation and clearing up.

the early years foundation stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage is made up of seven areas of learning:

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Our teachers support each child’s emotional well-being, ensuring that they are confident to take part in new activities and work with others. We provide the children with experiences and support that lead them to develop a positive sense of themselves, as well as respect for others, social skills, and a positive disposition to learn.

2. Communication and Language

We support and extend the children’s learning and competence in communicating, speaking, and listening. Children are provided with opportunities and encouragement to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves and speaking and listening in a range of situations. If your child speaks English as an additional language, with the support and encouragement they receive here at Victoria House, they will master the English language rapidly and will gain the ability to communicate with both children and adults fluently.

3. Physical Development

We encourage the children’s physical development through a variety of opportunities to be active, to improve their coordination, and to control both their fine and gross motor skills. The children are supported in developing an understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food and lifestyle. Our curriculum includes the opportunity for the children to explore their fine motor skills through activities such as spooning and cutting. The children are encouraged to develop their gross motor skills during our daily outdoor activities. They also have the opportunity to explore fitness classes each week.

4. Literacy

We follow both the Jolly Phonics and the Letters and Sounds programmes, whilst also enjoying the learning process through a variety of games and open-ended activities. The children have access to a wide range of reading materials at Victoria House to ignite their interest in books. They visit the local library and enjoy our in-house lending library to practice their reading skills, and to research topics with support from their educators.

5. Mathematics

The children are supported in developing their understanding of mathematics in a broad range of contexts through which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practice, and talk about their developing understanding of numbers, shape, space, and measurements. They are provided with a wide range of opportunities to practice their mathematical skills, and to gain confidence in using mathematical language and concepts.

6. Understanding of the World

We fully support the children in developing their knowledge and understanding to help them make sense of a growing and technological world. We encourage them to take an active part in the community through walks and by supporting a variety of charities. We promote British values within our nursery, as well as celebrating a variety of festivals and celebrations from other cultures and beliefs. Parents and carers play an integral part in this and are encouraged to come into the school and contribute to the children’s understanding. Being based on the world’s only UNESCO Biosphere Nation, our curriculum also includes activities that facilitate opportunities for the children to care for the natural world, for example, during Woodland Learning and our gardening sessions.

7. Expressive Arts and Design

The children’s creativity is supported through our provision of materials and equipment. They are encouraged to explore and share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings through a variety of mediums, such as art, music, movement, dance, design technology, and imaginative role-play activities.

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