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Nursery Curriculum

Nursery Curriculum Overview

Aligned with Birth to 5 Matters
At Kender Primary School

At Kender Primary School, our nursery curriculum is shaped by the Birth to 5 Matters guidance, which recognises the importance of early childhood as the foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. Our approach is child-centred, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that every child is a competent learner from birth. Through high-quality play and adult-guided learning, we support each child’s development across the seven areas of learning, with a strong focus on the values that define us at Kender: Respect, Readiness, and Resilience.

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

We prioritise helping children to develop a strong sense of self, build positive relationships, and manage feelings and behaviours.
At Kender, we support children to:

  • Build self-confidence and a sense of belonging.

  • Learn to work and play cooperatively, showing respect for others.

  • Develop emotional literacy, empathy, and strategies to manage challenges.

2. Communication and Language

We create a language-rich environment that encourages children to listen, understand, and express themselves effectively.
At Kender, children are supported to:

  • Build vocabulary through songs, stories, and conversation.

  • Develop attentive listening and turn-taking in communication.

  • Share thoughts and ideas with confidence in a supportive environment.

3. Physical Development

Children’s physical skills are developed through play, movement, and exploration, both indoors and outdoors.
At Kender, we encourage children to:

  • Develop coordination, control, and spatial awareness.

  • Strengthen fine motor skills through mark-making and manipulative play.

  • Understand the importance of health, hygiene, and physical activity.

4. Literacy

We lay the foundations for reading and writing through phonics, storytelling, and early mark-making experiences.
At Kender, children have opportunities to:

  • Enjoy a wide range of books and stories.

  • Develop phonological awareness and early reading skills.

  • Express ideas through drawing, symbols, and emergent writing.

5. Mathematics

Children explore number, pattern, shape, and space through hands-on, meaningful experiences.
At Kender, we support children to:

  • Recognise numbers in everyday contexts.

  • Understand concepts such as more, less, bigger, smaller, and same.

  • Use mathematical language during play and daily routines.

6. Understanding the World

Children are encouraged to make sense of their world through observation, exploration, and enquiry.
At Kender, children learn to:

  • Explore nature, seasons, and changes in the environment.

  • Develop awareness of their own and others’ cultures and traditions.

  • Use simple technology and talk about people and communities.

7. Expressive Arts and Design

Creativity is central to our curriculum. Children explore different materials and media to express ideas and feelings.
At Kender, we encourage children to:

  • Explore colour, texture, sound, and movement.

  • Use imagination in role-play, storytelling, and music.

  • Develop confidence to create and share their own work.

Our Approach at Kender

Our nursery provision is a safe, joyful, and engaging space where children feel valued and empowered to explore. Our curriculum is shaped by the belief that learning happens everywhere, and every interaction matters. We celebrate every child’s progress and ensure our environment reflects the diversity and richness of our school community.

By embedding the principles of Birth to 5 Matters and upholding the Kender values of Respect, Readiness, and Resilience, we prepare our youngest learners to thrive—socially, emotionally, and academically—as they take their first steps in education.

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