Our Curriculum
Curiosity, connection and meaningful play
How children learn at Little Lambs
Our curriculum is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage and shaped by our values: Nurturing, Kind, Honest and Inspired by Nature.
Children learn through play, warm relationships and meaningful first-hand experiences. Our educators observe carefully, listen to children’s ideas and use their interests to build knowledge, confidence and curiosity. Skilled conversations, thoughtful questions and carefully chosen resources help children explore ideas more deeply and make connections in their learning.
Alongside child-led play, we offer purposeful experiences including Forest School, woodwork, music, movement and creative exploration. Our indoor and outdoor environments are designed to invite investigation, independence and wonder while allowing every child to learn in a way that reflects their strengths, development and individual needs.
The seven areas of learning
The EYFS brings children’s learning and development together through seven interconnected areas. The three prime areas provide the foundations for children’s wellbeing, relationships and future learning. Four specific areas then help children strengthen and apply these foundations in different ways.
The prime areas
Communication and language
Language grows through warm, responsive conversations, stories, songs, rhymes and opportunities to listen and speak throughout the day. We use visual support, Makaton and communication-friendly strategies where helpful so that every child can express themselves and be understood.
Personal, social and emotional development
Secure relationships help children feel safe, confident and ready to learn. We support children to recognise and manage feelings, build friendships, develop independence and understand how their choices affect others.
Physical development
Children develop strength, coordination and confidence through active indoor and outdoor play. Fine-motor experiences, movement, Forest School, woodwork and everyday self-care all help children learn to use their bodies and tools safely and purposefully.
The specific areas
Literacy
A love of language and books begins with shared stories, songs, conversations and playful mark-making. Children explore sounds, symbols and writing for meaningful purposes both indoors and outdoors.
Mathematics
Children investigate number, pattern, shape, space and measure through practical play. Sorting natural treasures, filling containers, building, cooking and noticing patterns help mathematical thinking feel relevant and enjoyable.
Understanding the world
Children explore people, communities, nature and how things work. Gardening, caring for living things, seasonal experiences and learning about the cultures and experiences within our community help children develop knowledge, respect and a sense of belonging.
Expressive arts and design
Art, music, movement, imaginative play and open-ended materials allow children to communicate ideas in many different ways. Children are encouraged to experiment, create and develop their own responses rather than reproduce identical finished products.
Curiosity-led practice
Our practice is inspired by the belief that children are capable, curious learners. We provide calm, inviting spaces with authentic, natural and open-ended resources that encourage children to investigate, imagine and make their own choices.
Educators notice the interests and questions that emerge through play, then use their knowledge of each child to extend learning at the right moment. This helps children feel ownership of their experiences while developing confidence, resilience and a lasting enthusiasm for discovery.
A calm, nurturing environment
Our environments are designed to feel welcoming, peaceful and unhurried. Soft lighting, natural materials, cosy spaces and thoughtfully presented resources help children feel secure, settled and able to concentrate.
For us, comfort is also created through relationships. Sharing stories, talking together, enjoying a warm drink after outdoor play and taking pleasure in ordinary moments all contribute to a strong sense of community and belonging.
Knowing each child
Our educators build a detailed understanding of every child through close relationships, everyday observation and conversations with families. We use this knowledge to recognise progress, identify emerging needs and decide how best to support and extend each child’s learning.
Assessment is woven naturally into our practice rather than interrupting children’s play. Families are valued as partners and are encouraged to share their child’s interests, experiences and achievements from home. Together, we can provide a connected approach that supports each child’s development and celebrates their individual learning journey.