Our Curriculum at Oaklands Nursery School

At Oaklands Nursery School we are proud to provide a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum which follows the Early Years Foundation Stage 2024 (EYFS).

Our curriculum is shaped by the children themselves – their ideas, questions and interests form the starting point for our planning. We build on this with carefully designed provocations and enquiry-led learning, encouraging children to explore with curiosity, creativity, awe and wonder. Alongside this, we make sure children also gain the essential knowledge, skills and cultural capital they need for future success. This includes opportunities for trips, visitors and special events that enrich their experiences and widen their world.

The golden thread running through everything we do is a focus on communication and language. Children are supported to share their thinking and ideas through:

• Attentive listening and thoughtful responses from staff

• Sustained shared thinking activities that stretch learning

• P4C (Philosophy for Children), which encourages big questions and reflective conversations

• Rich language opportunities that underpin all areas of learning
  (You can find more about our P4C approach here: P4C (Philosophy for Children) | Oaklands Nursery)

Our learning environments – indoors, outdoors, and in our forest area – are carefully designed to inspire independence and exploration. The outdoor classroom and woodland spaces give children direct experiences of nature, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

We are proud to offer a truly inclusive curriculum, adapted to meet the needs of every child, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We have high expectations for all children, and ensure that our provision meets the requirements of the Equality Act (2010) and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations (2014).
(Further details can be found in our Special Educational Needs Information Report and Pupil Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. More information is also available here: SEND | Oaklands Nursery)

As an associate member of the Societas Trust, Oaklands works in partnership with other schools. This collaboration helps us to continually reflect on, develop and strengthen the high-quality education and care we provide.

You can find further details of our curriculum through the links below.