Caterpillar - CurriculumIn Caterpillar Class, our curriculum builds on the strong foundations children begin developing in The Meadow. As children grow in confidence and independence, the curriculum supports them to deepen their thinking, extend their language and begin to engage with learning in increasingly purposeful ways.
Our curriculum is guided by the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage and informed by the guidance set out in Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters. These documents support practitioners in understanding how young children learn and develop, helping us to ensure that experiences are carefully planned to meet children’s developmental needs while nurturing their natural curiosity and love of learning.
Throughout the day, children have continuous access to a carefully designed environment that encourages exploration, independence and open-ended play. The provision available allows children to follow their interests, return to ideas and develop their thinking through sustained play. While these opportunities form the heart of the Caterpillar experience, there are also small but significant learning moments carefully planned by the teacher to support each child’s development and next steps.
These key learning moments may take place with the whole class, in small groups, or with children working alongside their key worker. Through these interactions, adults introduce new ideas, extend children’s vocabulary, model thinking and support children in developing new skills. These moments are responsive to the developmental stage of the children and are designed to gently guide learning forward while still respecting the importance of play.
Communication and language are central to life in Caterpillar Class. Children are surrounded by stories, songs, conversation and shared experiences throughout the day. Adults play alongside children, modelling rich vocabulary, encouraging questions and supporting children as they describe their ideas, experiences and feelings. Through this language-rich approach, children develop confidence in expressing themselves and begin to engage more deeply in conversations with both adults and their peers.
Practitioners work closely together as a team to monitor each child’s individual learning journey. Adults regularly share observations and reflections about children’s development, discussing their interests, progress and next steps. These professional discussions help ensure that the curriculum remains responsive to the needs of the children in our care and that each child is supported to make meaningful progress.
Partnership with parents and carers is an important part of this process. Children’s development and progress are shared with families at regular assessment points throughout the year, and parents are always welcome to ask questions or discuss their child’s learning. By working together, we can ensure that each child’s journey through nursery is supported both at school and at home. Preparing for ReceptionThe experiences children have in Caterpillar Class provide an important bridge between the early foundations built in The Meadow and the learning that will take place in Reception. As children move through nursery, they begin to show greater independence, sustained engagement in play and increasing confidence in communication. These developing skills support children in becoming curious, capable learners who are ready to continue their journey into the next stage of school.
Preparing children for Reception is an important part of our work in Caterpillar Class. School readiness for us is not about rushing children into formal learning, but about ensuring they develop the confidence, independence and communication skills needed to engage successfully with the next stage of their education.
During their time in Caterpillar Class, children develop the ability to listen to others, share their ideas, play cooperatively with peers and manage their own needs with increasing independence. They begin to sustain attention for longer periods of time, follow simple instructions and take pride in their own achievements.
By the time children leave Caterpillar Class, they are developing the curiosity, resilience and self-confidence that will support them as they move into Reception, ready to continue their learning journey within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Below is a sample selection of our supporting curriculum documentation Early Years Foundation Stage Long Term Map Early Years Foundation Stage Communication and Language Toolkit Through the Eyes of the Child Caterpillar Spring Caterpillar Medium Term Plan Spring Caterpillar Weekly Plan Example
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