Curriculum & Learning
What curriculum does Kid Ease follow?
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), recognising that every child is a unique learner who develops at their own pace.
Through ‘in the moment’ observation, assessment and careful planning, we create opportunities that reflect children’s interests, experiences and individual next steps.
We have developed our own Kid Ease Approach rather than following a single early years philosophy.
It draws inspiration from a range of approaches, including the independence and self-directed learning associated with Montessori, the curiosity and creativity encouraged by Reggio Emilia, and the opportunities for exploration and managed risk-taking found in Forest School.
By combining elements of these approaches, we aim to provide children with rich, varied and holistic experiences that support their development across all areas of learning.
What will my child learn?
The EYFS sets out seven areas of learning. The first three are the prime areas. They come first because everything else is built on them, and they are where most of our work with babies and toddlers sits.
- Communication and language: talking, listening, building vocabulary and sharing stories, songs and rhymes.
- Physical development: rolling, crawling, climbing and balancing, alongside the finer control needed to hold a pencil, use a fork or do up a coat.
- Personal, social and emotional development: confidence, friendships, managing big feelings and growing independence.
The remaining four are the specific areas. They grow out of the prime areas and become more visible as children move towards school.
4. Literacy: early mark-making and writing, phonics, and a genuine love of books.
5. Mathematics: counting, number, shape, pattern and measure, usually through everyday play, cooking and tidying up.
6. Understanding the world: families and communities, the natural world, and noticing how things change over time.
7. Expressive arts and design: painting, music, dance, role play, construction and making things.
All seven areas run as a thread through each day rather than being taught as standalone formal learning. A morning in the garden might involve physical development, language and early maths in the same half hour.
How do children learn?
Planning starts with children’s individual starting points, interests and patterns of play, which are shared with us by families during settling sessions and then developed through ongoing observation and assessment.
Children learn through:
- Play and exploration
- Carefully planned indoor and outdoor environments, including continuous provision: resources and experiences that children can access and explore independently.
- Small-group teaching experiences and planned provocations: thoughtfully arranged resources and experiences that spark curiosity and invite children to explore.
- Risk and challenge
- Skilled interactions with practitioners
- Opportunities to revisit and deepen learning
Our practitioners observe children’s play, identify emerging interests and use these observations to extend learning. We focus on what children can do and build from there.
Hear what Ofsted has to say:
“The highly qualified staff devise an exemplary curriculum… Staff support children to achieve exceptionally high levels of language competence. This means they are well prepared for the next stage of their education.” Hawkinge Outstanding Ofsted report, 2023
Ready to explore your options?
Book a visit, speak with a Nursery Manager or contact us to discuss availability, funding and start dates.