At Maple Tree Nursery & Pre-School we aim to offer an extensive range of activities that encourage the children to learn through play and exploration, providing an excellent foundation for learning.

What children learn

Our curriculum is shaped with intention. We know what children need to thrive, and we lead them through a rich, well‑planned journey that builds skills, confidence, and curiosity step by step. Grounded in the EYFS and strengthened by our own Maple Tree approach, we create meaningful learning experiences indoors and out — giving every child the foundations they need for school and for life.

We lead children through purposeful, well‑planned learning that builds strong early skills.

Our Approach to Learning and Development

Our aim is for children to expand their learning and develop the skills they need in order to progress to their next stage of learning. Each room becoming more focused on expanding the children’s listening and attention skills, and their ability to engage in adult-led teaching opportunities. All children will have opportunities to progress at their own age and stage of development. They will only move up a stage once we feel that they are ready and have discussed it in full with you. All learning is tailored to the needs of each child and is based on their stage of development, not their chronological age.

The PRIME Areas:

This involves helping our children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others. To form positive relationships and develop respect for themselves and others. We will promote social interaction and understanding how to manage their own feelings. Our children are encouraged to understand appropriate behaviour in groups, and to have confidence in their own abilities
This involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment, hearing lots of different words to develop their word banks, thus developing confidence and skills in expressing themselves and to speak and listen in a range of situations. We also offer a ‘Talk Boost’ programme for children aged 3 and over, who may be struggling with this aspect of their learning.
This will provide opportunities for young children to be active and interactive, to develop their coordination, control and movement. Children will learn to take risks appropriately and safely, and eventually learn to manage their own risks during physical activities. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity and make healthy choices in relation to food.

The SPECIFIC Areas:

This area of development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children will be given access to a wide range of reading materials (book, poems and other written materials) to ignite their reading interests. As they grow, in Preschool we will develop their understanding of phonics through learning opportunities provided through daily learning time. Younger children will concentrate more on rhyme and alliteration.
This area involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems and to describe shapes, spaces and measures in a fun and creative way. It also develops their spacial awareness and eventually be able to describe positioning of themselves, and objects.
This includes guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community around them through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the natural environment around them.
This area of learning enables our children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design and technology.

What we will achieve:

  • We work in partnership with our local Schools and Family Hubs in the community.
  • We work with Parents/Carers throughout their child’s learning journey, to promote independence in preparation for school readiness, ensuring every child meets their full potential.
  • Promote an inclusive setting where children learn to accept others for who they are.

What we will provide:

  • Care and activities that put the needs and safety of children first.
  • A programme of activities that are interesting, educational, stimulating and fun.
  • Activities that promote each child’s social, physical, moral and intellectual development.
  • Access to a variety of facilities and equipment under safe and supervised conditions.
  • A staff team that is experienced, well trained and properly supported.
  • Services that meet the conditions of Ofsted EYFS Statutory Framework and all other relevant childcare legislation, wherever they apply.