Our Curriculum
A curriculum that challenges each individual child and fosters positive interactions and outcomes
​At Westerham Day Nursery and Pre-school, we are continually working towards improving what we do and how we do it, with the ultimate aim being to improve outcomes for all children. Find out how we work to create an inclusive environment in which diversity is celebrated and children are provided with equal opportunities to thrive.
Development matters
Through a process of careful planning, observation and assessment, we seek to nurture the development of our babies and children in a way that stimulates their enthusiasm for discovery and creativity.
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According to statutory requirements we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework which continues into primary school.
​The EYFS Framework has seven pillars which we use to inform our planning, experiences and assessments:
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Communication and language.
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Physical development.
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Personal, social and emotional development.
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Literacy.
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Mathematics.
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Understanding the world.
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Expressive arts and design.
Our Curriculum:
Our Curriculum at Westerham Day Nursery
At Westerham Day Nursery, our curriculum is designed to give every child the best possible start in life. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Kent’s Starting Strong guidance to make sure all children receive high‑quality care and learning experiences.
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What we want for your child (Intent)
We want children to feel safe, happy and confident. Our curriculum helps them become curious, independent learners who are ready for school. We focus strongly on communication and language, personal and social development, and physical skills, while celebrating each child as an individual.
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How we support learning (Implementation and Teaching)
Children learn best through play. Our staff create rich, well‑organised environments indoors and outdoors where children can explore, imagine and discover. We use high‑quality interactions to build language, thinking and problem‑solving skills. Activities are planned around children’s interests, and small‑group times help develop early literacy, maths and communication. We adapt our approach for children with additional needs so that everyone can take part and make progress.
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What this means for your child (Impact)
Children at Westerham Day Nursery show high levels of engagement, curiosity and confidence. They make strong progress from their starting points and develop the skills they need for school—such as communication, independence, resilience and a love of learning. Our aim is for every child to leave us feeling ready for the next stage of their education.
A personalised approach
Each child is assigned a key person who is responsible for their overall care and development. The Key Person carries out regular observations and is there to assist with updates and sharing concerns if needed. This allows them to ensure that your child’s areas of interest are fully explored, enabling them to plan activities based on their interests. The Key Person will also liaise with the wider staff team so as to gather a full picture of your child's interests, learning and development. The Key Person will also work with the Management Team if they feel additional support is needed.
Open-ended resources
Our skilled practitioners provide a range of stimulating activities daily taking inspiration from established pedagogies such as The Curiosity Approach and Hygge in the Early Years. Maria Montessori said "play is the work of the child" and it is our intention that children are offered a wide-range of open-ended activities which awaken their curiosity, spark their creativity and help them to learn about their sense of self, their skills and their interests.
We believe that children are best-placed to lead their learning and our grown ups are always on hand to support them. We place a heavy emphasis on well-being as it is happy children who are best placed to learn and develop and so our spaces include cosy book corners, sensory exploration and opportunities for quiet and calm.
Makaton
Communication is so important for early years children. Learning ways of communicating with others begins from the moment we are born - through crying, eye contact, hand gestures and expressions as we progress along our road to speech development.
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Makaton is one of the tools we use to promote effective communication. But what is Makaton? Essentially, it is a simplified form of sign language, allowing children of all ages, abilities and learning needs to express themselves, receive instruction, and tell us what they want or need.
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A powerful communication tool that helps to build and strengthen positive relationships and skills for life.
Contact Us
Our nursery curriculum has been developed with the unique needs of early years children in mind. Get in touch with Westerham Day Nursery and Pre School for an informal chat about your child's requirements.
01959 565969