Seven ways nursery helps your child's development

Through role modelling, games and activities, our team will help your child to understand what behaviour is appropriate with their peers, so that they can understand social norms and boundaries.

This support will also help them to form positive relationships with others and manage their feelings during the disputes that naturally come with relationships (for example, when sharing a toy). By developing this socialisation during nursery, it means that starting school and forming new relationships there will be that bit easier.

Our team is made up of practitioners who are qualified in early years care. This means that they understand how best to support your child to give them the best opportunities to grow. 

In pre-school, your child will begin to get used to how life at school is different from life at nursery or at home. For example, they will begin to get used to routine and taking care of their own property.

We will work to ensure that your child has developed their confidence and independence ahead of school. So they will already be used to tying their shoes, putting on their coat and serving themselves at mealtimes.

To make the whole experience more familiar, we will enjoy role-playing with school uniforms and your child's reception teacher will visit them at nursery so that they have a familiar face from day one.

Every part of the space has been planned to maximise their growth and development. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and ensure that your child has opportunities to develop each area of growth - such as their motor skills, creativity or mathematics.

We are also able to ensure that as your child progresses through nursery, the equipment continues to be age-appropriate. This is essential to ensure that your child is maximising their development opportunities while enjoying games and activities.

We believe in learning through play and no opportunities are missed to maximise that growth every step of the way. For example, while telling a story, our team know how to maximise the learning opportunities by encouraging your child's involvement and stretching them to reach their potential.

We will actively encourage this by supporting them to make decisions such as what time they want a healthy snack and supporting them to try new experiences. 

We will also support the development of their independence to help with school readiness. For example, your child will be encouraged to self-serve drinks during the day. By developing this independence, your child will have a head start at school - meaning that they can focus on learning in the classroom.

This means that every day, your child will be supported in activities designed specifically around them to maximise their learning and development. Their progress is tracked during these activities so that we can focus on areas where your child needs support and push them in areas where they are excelling.

Your child's key person will also work closely with you to ensure that there is a seamless transition between life at nursery and home. For example, they can provide advice on activities that you might enjoy at home to further what has been learnt at nursery.

This means that they can enjoy physical toys such as bikes or climbing equipment. Our mud kitchen is fantastic for supporting their creativity and imaginations. Or your child can enjoy outdoor activities that support the development of their maths skills, like collecting, counting and sorting natural items like leaves and twigs.

At Woodlands, your child will also enjoy our fantastic forest school. In this environment, they will take part in hands on experiences to develop their confidence and self-esteem. This might include den-making, nature walks or storytelling around the fire-pit.