At Brookside, our curriculum reflects what we want children to know, experience and be able to do during their time with us. Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and influenced by Froebelian principles and the Forest School approach, our curriculum values play, positive relationships, independence, exploration, nature and meaningful real-life experiences.

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We see every child as a unique, curious and capable learner. Children are given time and freedom to play, explore, create, problem-solve and develop their own ideas. Our curriculum provides clear progression while remaining responsive to children's individual interests, experiences and needs.

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Our experienced practitioners know when to step back and allow learning to unfold and when thoughtful interaction, modelling or carefully planned experiences can extend children's learning. Alongside child-led play, children enjoy small-group learning and a rich range of experiences including stories, music and movement, Spanish, cooking, creativity, outdoor learning and Forest School.

 

Our Froebelian influence can be seen in the importance we place on play, relationships, independence, creativity and children's connection with nature, while the Forest School approach supports exploration, appropriate risk-taking, problem-solving, confidence and resilience.

 

The Early Years Foundation Stage

Our curriculum supports children's development across the seven areas of the EYFS.

Prime areas

• Communication and Language

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Physical Development

 

Specific areas

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

 

Above all, we want children to develop the curiosity to explore, confidence to have a go, resilience to keep trying and independence to do more for themselves - building strong foundations for learning and life.

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