Learning in a nursery at Horton Grange is a vibrant and foundational experience for young children. At this stage, the focus is on fostering a love for learning through a variety of playful and interactive activities. The environment is carefully crafted to be safe, welcoming, and stimulating, encouraging children to explore and discover. At Horton Grange we use a mix of structured activities and free play to support the development of essential skills such as language, social interaction, and fine motor abilities. Activities like storytelling, singing, arts and crafts, and outdoor play are integral, helping children to express themselves creatively and build confidence. The aim is to create a nurturing space where children feel valued and excited about learning, setting the stage for their future educational journey. 

The Early Years Curriculum is divided into seven areas of learning;

The first three areas are known as ‘Prime’ areas:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development-

Developing independence, confidence, co-operating, sharing, taking turns and showing respect.

Communication and Language-

Developing speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Physical Development-

Learning how to use equipment, balance and co-ordination.

There are an additional four ‘Specific’ areas:

Mathematics-

Developing counting, adding, taking away, problem solving, positions, shapes and patterns.

Literacy-

Encouraging the children to link sounds and letters and be able to read and write.

Understanding the World-

Developing knowledge of the world around us including History, Geography, Science, and Design Technology.

Expressive Arts and Design-

Enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials.