The Pre-School Curriculum is underpinned by six areas of learning, as set out in the guidance document issued by the Department of Education. At Bligh's Lane Nursery School, we strive to give the Pre-School curriculum equal balance both indoors and outdoors, with the children accessing outdoor play every day, whatever the weather and in all seasons.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

This area of learning is about emotional well-being. We aim to develop pupils’ understanding of who they are and where they fit in, their independence and the importance of showing empathy for others. This part of the curriculum is integral to everything we do and we strive to make our children confident and happy learners.

Language Development

This is another key area of focus at Bligh's Lane Nursery and we put a huge amount of resources into ensuring our children are confident communicators. Children access a rich provision which stimulates accelerated language development. Staff are highly trained to meet children at their individual level and skilfully extend their learning.  We have well resourced reading areas and lending library which promotes a love of reading from an early age. Mark making is promoted across all play areas, which provides lots of opportunities to develop fine motor control, emergent writing and letter formation.

Physical Development and Movement

Physical development is about improving skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement, both big and small (gross and fine motor). Children have daily opportunities to practice all skills, indoors and out. Curriculum plans build skills and confidence over the course of the nursery year and staff observe closely so that the next challenging steps for each child are catered for.

Early Mathematical Experiences

In this area of learning children are involved in counting, sorting, matching, seeking patterns, making connections, recognising relationships and working with numbers, shapes, space and measures. We use a wide variety of resources to help promote developing mathematical skills and knowledge and to help children think about 'maths' in their every day life.

The World Around Us

In this area of learning, children are developing the crucial knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. Children learn about themselves, their families and communities. They also explore materials, light and technology in a play based way which is at their level. At Bligh's Lane Nursery we have a huge focus on learning about our environment and how to look after it. Our Eco-School status has been awarded ro credit us with our work in this area. In addition, the children also take part in a weekly Forest School session, Woodland Wednesday' in our outdoor area.

The Arts

This area of learning includes art, music, dance, role play and imaginative play. Children have accees to an 'arts rich' environment, indoor and out, which provides the opportunity to develop across all of these areas.  Role play areas change to follow children's interests and our topics providing stimulating environments for high levels of engagement. Daily song and rhyme sessions help children build a repetoire of nursery rhymes whilst a weekly 'Musical Pathways' session with a music teacher offers more specilaist input.