The Nursery Curriculum

All Ofsted registered early years’ providers in England, which includes nurseries such as ourselves, childminders, pre-schools and reception classes must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a framework set out by the Department for Education (DFE). The framework sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five years of age.

The EYFS explains how children will learn and ensure their readiness for school, through focusing on 7 areas of learning and development. Initially, 3 prime areas; Making Relationships, Communication & Language and Physical Development. As children continue to grow, the prime areas will support the development in the specific area of learning, which include, Literacy, Mathematics, Knowledge and understanding of the World and Expressive Arts.

Children are unique and will learn and develop at different stages and different rates across each of the areas of learning, where we ensure that the nursery provision and activities are tailored to meet the needs of the individual child, offering a fun, stimulating, happy, safe and secure environment in which to learn. We want children to encourage to be happy and confident in their love for learning as they carry on their educational journey into school. 

The government produced a document entitled, ‘What to expect, when? Guidance to your child’s learning and development in the early years foundation stage.

https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2015/03/4Children_ParentsGuide_2015_WEB.pdf 

Continuing the Learning Journey

As a nursery we work as a part of the early years phase at Atherton St George’s and our children families are strongly supported by all the staff within the school, to ensure that they are made to feel part of our school family. Our Executive Headteacher, Mrs Boardman and Early Years Lead, Mrs Sheridan work in partnership with our nursery team to support the children’s learning and development, in ensuring that they achieve their full potential and positive outcomes.

Preparing and supporting our children on their learning journey is vital, whether that be initially starting nursery, moving nursery rooms or the transition into school. We work closely with all staff and parents from an early stage to ensure that each transition is made as seamless as possible for all children. The majority of children choose to continue their education with Atherton St George’s school and because of our relationship, the Reception team and children already know each other really well, the children are familiar with the learning environment, planning and support is already in place and starting school is seen as a natural progression for all. For those children who spread their wings to other schools, we provide them with as much information as possible, to ensure that they know our children well, just as we do. (Please note: Attendance at Little Dragons’ does not guarantee entry to Atherton St George’s CE Primary School. Applications must be made via Wigan Council Admissions)

Starting nursery is a huge milestone in both a child’s and their parents’ lives, and we like to make the transition into nursery as smooth as possible. After initially contacting nursery, you are welcome to arrange a suitable date and time to come and look round or simply come along to one of our school open days.  This is then followed up by a home visit, which provides the opportunity to meet your child, in a familiar, relaxed environment and also provides parents with the opportunity to discuss any specific needs and answer any questions that you may have.

When your child starts nursery, they will be assigned a Key Person, who will be responsible for managing their learning and development and work together with parents to nurture support and provide all children with high quality learning opportunities to meet their individual needs and outcomes. 

Our Nursery Day

The nursery is open during term time and adopts the same term time dates used by the school, which often makes it much simpler for those families that have siblings in nursery and in school.

We offer a combination of morning, afternoon and half day sessions, as well as a full day session, whereby we will work with yourselves to help choose the right combination of sessions to suit the needs of your child, as this can often vary as they begin to grow and develop in preparation for school life.

Meet the staff 

Our Early Years Foundation Stage Lead & Nursery Manager, Mrs Sheridan, is a Qualified teacher, who has a wide range of experience working in Early Years settings and has worked as a teacher at St George’s for the last 6 Years, across different Key Stages. Mrs Sheridan holds full and relevant Level 2, Level 3 and Level 5 Early Years qualifications and has achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our Deputy Manager, Mrs K Travers, is a highly experienced practitioner, who has experience working across a range of Early Years’ settings and holds a full and relevant Level 3 qualification. They are supported by 7 Early Years practitioners, who all hold full and relevant qualifications or relevant training.

 Funding  

There are currently three separate government funded childcare schemes that offer free childcare for children aged two, three and four years and each has its own eligibility criteria.

• Two-Year-old funding - 15 hours free government funded early years education. Free early education and childcare for 2 year olds (wigan.gov.uk)
• Three Year old funding – 15 hours free government funded early years education.

(This scheme is open to ALL 3- and 4-year-olds. Parents / carers should be able to start receiving the childcare from 1 January, 1 April or 1 September following your child’s 3rd birthday).

• 30 hours free childcare - 30 hours free government funded early years education.

For further information, please refer to the following government website https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ or contact nursery for further information.

Further Information 

For further information or to request an application form, simply ring the school office or contact:

Mrs L Sheridan

Little Dragons’ Nursery

Atherton St George’s CE Primary School

Derby Street

Atherton

Manchester

M46 0HJ

01942 883971

Email:enquiries@admin.saintgeorges.wigan.sch.uk