Our Continuous Provision Curriculum

Radmoor Nursery puts the well-being of our children at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that providing a stimulating environment in which children have the space and time to explore their own interests is essential to producing happy and engaged learners. All children have a natural desire to learn. They want to be active, autonomous and unique learners. They love to explore, take risks and problem solve as much as possible. The best way for children to do this is through playing – they play to learn! As they learn new things through their play, synapses form in the brain and this is how a child makes progress.
In line with the EYFS, in regards to observations, assessment and planning Radmoor Nursery follow a continuous provision curriculum.

Continuous Provision is the term we use to describe the opportunities within the room for play. These could be construction areas, roleplay areas, the outdoor area, areas for creativity, including junk modelling, or simply a space for quiet time. It is important that these areas remain the same so that if a child is thinking about creating a space ship for their Lego character to travel in they know where they can find the things they need. The areas will be enhanced based on current topics or interests of the class at that time. These enhancements ensure that the provision does not stagnate which can ultimately lead to disengagement.
A well managed and implemented Continuous Provision provides children the opportunity to lead their own learning, based upon their own interests. The adult’s role is to observe these ‘teachable moments’ and enhance this learning by moving it forward in partnership with the child.

Click on the links below to download the documents:

Baby and Child Yoga Continuous Provision Curriculum Communication and Language Continuous Provision Curriculum Continuous Provision Curriculum – Radmoor Childcare Expressive Art & design Continuous Provision Curriculum Forest Area Continuous Provision Curriculum Heuristic play Continuous Provision Curriculum Literacy Continuous Provision Curriculum Loose Parts Play Continuous Provision Curriculum Mathematics Continuous Provision Curriculum Music Continuous Provision Curriculum Personal, Social & Emotional Development Continuous Provision Curriculum Physical play Continuous Provision Curriculum Playdough Continuous Provision Curriculum Role – imaginative play Continuous Provision Curriculum Sensory Play Continuous Provision Curriculum STEM Continuous Provision Curriculum Tinkering Table Continuous Provision Curriculum Understanding of the World Continuous Provision Curriculum

What to Expect in the EYFS

The DfE has published a new guide for parents, produced by Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre. ‘What to Expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ (formerly ‘What to Expect When’) guides parents through what to expect with their child’s development. It aligns with the new Development Matters to help practitioners engage with parents about their child’s development.

What to Expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage
Heuristic Play – PSED, UTW, PD, EAD, Ma, C&L Children participate in daily Heuristic Play sessions. Heuristic play (use of everyday objects) provides the opportunity for children to be curious and explore and involves sensory exploration of ‘everyday items. Having open ended objects for play stimulates innovation, creativity and imagination.
Registration – Lit, PSED, C&L, Ma, PD, UTW Children self-register their attendance. They practice writing their names, recognise their names, count how many children are present – how many boys / girls, who is absent etc. Children consider how they are feeling today? And are encouraged to share their news. Babies recognise their face in photos, sing welcome / hello songs etc.
Play to Learn Cross Curricular- all 7 Areas of learning. C&L, PSED, PD, Lit, Ma, UTW, EAD. Based on the Loose Parts Play, Curiosity Approach and In the Moment Planning. Activities focus on child’s interests and learning needs both Indoors and outside. Key to this is the continuous provision- literacy / mathematics / role play / construction / sensory / physical play / expressive art and design / gardening areas. Children also develop their understanding through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Children relish during experimenting. Children make use of open ended – loose parts play – enabling them to create representational play and make sense of the world
Snack & Meal Times - PSED, C&L, PD, Ma, UTW
Morning snack – between 9.45 – 10.30am
Lunch - around 11.45am
Afternoon snack – 2pm
Afternoon tea – 3.30pm
Evening snack -5pm
Meal and snack times are family like / social occasions. Children set the table, self-serve and pour their own drinks, they help clear away, and staff sit with children. Lunch tables are attractive and homely with table cloths, flowers, etc. These activities support children’s self-regulation, independence and self-esteem as they take responsibility for their environment.
Early Literacy & Mathematics – Lit, C&L, PSED, UTW, Ma, PD, EAD Children develop their speaking, listening and understanding throughout the day. Practitioners take opportunities to reinforce phonic knowledge through activities – e.g. going on a sound hunt / listening walk, letter hunts, give children lots of opportunities to practice their writing / mark making indoors and outside. Opportunities provided to support mark making in all areas of play are provided. Tools and vocabulary throughout the day provides for mathematics learning and development.
Yoga/Baby Yoga – PD, PSED, EAD, C&L, UTW Short sessions daily, teaching mindfulness; body stretching and physical awareness, co-ordination and balance. Yoga practice encourages a curiosity around the body and awareness of feelings.
Story & Rhyme Times - Lit, PSED, UTW, EAD, PD, Ma, C&L Frequently, throughout the day. We believe that good singers become good talkers. Children access inviting cosy book / reading areas with cushions, rugs, throws, where they can engage in conversations and quiet reflections. Songs and rhymes are a cornerstone of language development, positive interaction and early learning in childhood.
STEM Activities - Cross Curricular- all 7 areas of learning C&L, PSED, PD, Lit, Ma, UTW, EAD. Children take part in experiments, explorations and investigations – including baking and cooking activities each week – great for literacy and maths. Loose parts play and ‘tinkering tables’ provide opportunities for curiosity and exploration.
Physical Challenges – Indoors and outdoors. PD, PSED, C&L, UTW Everyday children access activities promoting upper body strength and physical exertion, they use climbing ropes, obstacle courses and balancing challenges. Children plant, nurture and care for a wide range of plants, herbs and vegetables in the outdoor garden. The children access the forest area developing risk taking skills.

Area of Learning Key:
C&L – communication and language. PD – Physical Development. PSED – Personal, social & emotional development. Lit – Literacy. Ma – Mathematics. UTW – Understanding of the world. EAD – Expressive arts & design.