Our Curriculum

Using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for England and a Reggio inspired approach to teaching and learning, we see children as unique, curious and competent learners. Based on Inquiry based thinking, our learning approach is underpinned by the five C’s: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Care. It has been widely acknowledged that effective early childhood pedagogy for the 21st century must support these principles and at Step by Step nursery we emphasize hands on discovery learning that allows children to use all the senses and their many languages of learning. Our teachers are cognizant of each child’s potential and construct their work, play, and the environment to support, challenge and extend learning appropriately. Children, parents and teachers are viewed as collaborators in the process of learning and the environment is seen as the third teacher. This is reflected in the design of the nursery which is carefully curated to create a rich, calming and inspiring child centred environment that engages young learners and promotes independence.

The Early Years Foundation Stage underpins our approach through the early years Principles; children need to learn through active exploring, creating and critical thinking. In this way, children develop creative ideas and solutions through planned activities that provoke discovery and ignite investigations. Research suggests that children’s communication and collaboration skills flourish in well structured environments. Hence, our classrooms have a variety of learning areas allowing children to develop their ideas, learn through trial and error and engage with materials and real-life scenarios that develop the appropriate skill sets, behaviours and attitudes, equipping them for their next step in education, primary school.

Innovation

Our innovative approach to learning through inquiry and investigation, promotes positive outcomes for all children including children of determination, gifted children and English-language learners. In our increasingly global world, many families are raising multi-lingual children and research suggests that these children are often more creative with advanced de-coding skills. Our learning environment enables multi-lingual children to apply this creativity through meaningful and concrete learning opportunities, building on their strengths and acquiring new skills in the process. Furthermore, through the use of open questioning and language modelling, our teachers provide vocabulary rich classrooms, where dialogue is valued and encouraged in English and Arabic and home languages are embraced.

Child’s Daily Experience

What are the Benefits of Attending a Nursery?

The early years are a critical period in a person’s life, when development is rapid and forms the basis for all future learning. A person’s character, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge are shaped during this critical period. 

At Step by Step nurseries, every day is filled with awe and wonder which makes every day unique and special. Whilst our programme offers structure and routine which is vital in creating a sense of comfort and security in our little ones, our learning approach follows the children’s lead which offers the breadth and depth of learning and experience that young children need to grow and develop holistically.

Using the Early Years Foundation Stage, your child will engage in a range of learning opportunities across the seven areas of learning and development. These include:

Prime Areas

• Communication and Language
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development

Specific Areas

• Literacy
• Maths
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Learning opportunities are adapted to meet the varying needs of children with educators scaffolding practice where needed to support, extend and challenge learners.

We aspire for our nurseries to become a second home for children and their families by providing a warm, safe, homely and loving space where there is mutual care and respect for all.