Curriculum

At North End Nursery, our curriculum is designed to nurture curious, confident, and independent young learners through a natural, child-led, play-based approach aligned with Birth to Five Matters.

  • Play is at the heart of our curriculum. Through imaginative play, creative projects, and hands-on activities, children develop:

    • Language, communication, and social skills

    • Emotional understanding and self-regulation

    • Physical coordination and confidence

    • Creativity and imaginative thinking

  • Our children explore natural environments and use open-ended, nature-based resources to enhance focus, calmness, and curiosity. Outdoor and nature-inspired activities encourage:

    • Observation and exploration

    • Critical thinking and problem solving

    • Connection with the natural world

    “Learning through nature helps children understand their environment while building life skills for the future.”

  • We support the growth of the whole child, nurturing not just cognitive and physical skills but also:

    • Emotional wellbeing and resilience

    • Social skills and positive relationships

    • Self-awareness and empathy

    • Spiritual awareness and reflection

  • Our outdoor environment is a rich learning space where children explore nature, build resilience, and develop confidence through movement and discovery.

Curriculum Areas

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

  • Confidence and independence

  • Friendship building and cooperation

  • Emotional understanding and self-regulation

Literacy

  • Outdoor reading spaces

  • Mark-making in sand, mud, and natural media

  • Nature-themed stories

Expressive Arts & Design

  • Music and movement outdoors

  • Clay work, nature weaving, and open-ended craft

  • Creative role play using natural resources

Communication & Language

  • Storytelling and daily conversations

  • Songs, rhymes, and expressive language

  • Describing natural objects and experiences

Mathematics

  • Counting natural objects

  • Measuring and comparing in play

  • Patterns using loose parts

Physical Development

  • Fine motor skills through natural mark-making

  • Climbing, balancing, and outdoor movement

  • Healthy habits and self-care routines

Understanding the World

  • Exploring seasons, weather, and nature

  • Learning about community and culture

  • Gardening and life cycles