At Rotherfield Pre-School, we are delighted to be introducing a refreshed curriculum this September. It will continue to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, while also embracing key elements of the Curiosity Approach. This ensures we remain fully aligned with government expectations for early learning and development, alongside creating rich, inspiring environments that ignite children’s curiosity, imagination and independence.

By offering more open-ended resources and placing a strong emphasis on exploration through play, we encourage children to become deeply engaged in their learning. This approach supports the development of critical thinking skills, creativity and the confidence to pursue their own interests. Above all, we are committed to providing meaningful, hands-on experiences that nurture each child’s individual journey and help them flourish.

Before children are ready to read independently, they first need to develop a strong foundation of early language skills. At Rotherfield Pre-School, we focus on building a rich vocabulary, nurturing confident speaking and listening, and sharing stories every day through engaging read-aloud sessions.

We also plan activities inspired by a chosen focus book, helping children explore stories in greater depth through creative, hands-on experiences. In addition, we run a borrow library where children can choose a book to take home and share with their families, further encouraging a love of reading beyond the setting.

These early experiences form the building blocks of literacy, helping children develop a love of books while strengthening the skills they need. In this way, we support and extend each child’s development, enabling them to begin their reading journey with confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm.

We encourage children to develop an early interest in numbers and counting through hands-on experiences such as comparing, sorting and matching objects. As they begin to recognise numbers and shapes, they are supported to spot them in everyday life, helping maths feel meaningful and relevant.

These important early mathematical skills build confidence, strengthen thinking, and lay strong foundations for problem-solving as children grow and develop.

We nurture children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding to help them make sense of the world around them. They have opportunities to safely use a variety of tools, explore different materials, and discover living things such as plants, animals, and insects in their natural habitats. We also have a curiosity cube, which sparks exploration and wonder.

Developing an understanding of the world encourages children to explore, observe, and ask questions about their surroundings. Through experiences like the curiosity cube and other meaningful interactions, they begin to make connections with both the physical world and their wider community, including people, places, technology, and the environment.

We support children in developing their coordination, control, movement, and fine motor skills through a variety of fun, hands-on activities. Using their senses, they explore the world around them and begin to make connections between new experiences and what they already know.

To further support physical development, we make use of the local Scout Hut for weekly sensory circuits and PE sessions, providing space for energetic, structured movement activities. Alongside this, we encourage children to understand the importance of good health, including regular physical activity, learning about healthy eating, and developing habits that promote overall wellbeing.

Our children are encouraged to express themselves freely through music, singing, dancing, and creative play. They explore a wide range of materials, tools, and techniques in a safe environment, experimenting with colour, texture, design, form, and function as they create.

We foster imagination by giving children the freedom to use what they’ve learned in original and meaningful ways. Whether painting, building, role-playing, or making music, they are constantly expressing their own thoughts, ideas, and feelings, developing both their creativity and confidence along the way.

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED) is one of the three prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and is essential in helping children grow into confident, capable, and caring individuals.

Within PSED, children develop in three key areas:

Self-confidence and self-awareness – Children are encouraged to try new experiences, talk about what they enjoy, and share their ideas. They learn to make choices independently, use resources with confidence, and recognise when they might need support.

Managing feelings and behaviour – Children begin to understand their own emotions and those of others. They learn about behaviour, its consequences, and what is acceptable. Through group activities, they practise following rules, working cooperatively, and adapting to changes in routine with increasing confidence.

Making relationships – Through play and shared activities, children learn to take turns, listen, and collaborate. They build strong, positive relationships with both adults and peers, developing kindness, understanding, and empathy.

By nurturing these essential skills, we provide a strong foundation for children’s emotional wellbeing, social growth, and readiness for lifelong learning.