At Rotherfield Preschool, we’re excited to be introducing a refreshed curriculum this September that follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, whilst also incorporating key elements of the Curiosity Approach. This means we remain fully aligned with the government’s expectations for early learning and development, but with an added focus on creating rich, inspiring environments that spark curiosity, imagination, and independence. By using more natural, open-ended resources and encouraging exploration through play, we’re helping children become more deeply engaged in their learning, develop stronger thinking skills, and build the confidence to follow their own interests. It’s all about creating meaningful, hands-on experiences that support each child’s journey and help them thrive.

Before children are ready to start reading, they need to develop a range of important skills. At Rotherfield Preschool, we begin by building their understanding of vocabulary, encouraging strong speaking and listening skills, and sharing stories regularly through reading aloud. These early experiences lay the foundation for literacy, supporting and extending each child’s abilities as they begin their reading journey with confidence and curiosity.

 We encourage children to develop an early interest in numbers and counting by exploring activities like comparing, sorting, and matching objects. As they begin to recognise numbers and shapes, they also start to notice how these appear in the world around them. These key early maths skills help build confidence and lay the groundwork for problem-solving as they grow.

We support the development of children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding to help them make sense of the world around them. We provide opportunities for children to safely use a range of tools, explore different materials, and encounter living things; such as plants, animals, and insects - in their natural environments.

Understanding the world is about guiding children to explore, observe, and ask questions about their surroundings. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions, they begin to make connections with their 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. Alongside this, we encourage children to understand the importance of good health; this includes regular physical activity, learning about healthy eating, and developing habits that support their overall wellbeing.

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

We nurture children’s imagination by giving them the freedom to use what they’ve learned in original and meaningful ways. Whether they’re painting, building, role-playing, or making music, they are constantly representing 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 within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and it plays a key role in helping children grow into confident, capable, and caring individuals.

Within PSED, children develop in three main areas:

• Self-confidence and self-awareness – Children are encouraged to try new things, talk about what they enjoy, and share their ideas. They learn to make choices independently, use resources confidently, and recognise when they might need help.
   
• Managing feelings and behaviour – Children begin to understand their own emotions and those of others. They talk about behaviour, its consequences, and learn what is acceptable. They work well in groups, follow rules, and adapt to changes in routine with increasing confidence.
   
• Making relationships – Through play and group activities, children learn to take turns, listen to others, and work together. They build strong relationships with both adults and peers, showing kindness, understanding, and empathy.
   

By nurturing these essential skills, we help children build a strong foundation for their emotional wellbeing, social development, and readiness for lifelong learning.