EYFS FRAMEWORK

Our curriculum builds on the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Understanding the EYFS Curriculum and the Seven Areas of Learning

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum focuses on nurturing every aspect of a child’s development during their crucial early years. At The Mulberry Bush, we provide a well-rounded approach that covers the prime areas of EYFS.

At the Mulberry Bush nursery, we are deeply committed to fostering positive relationships and creating an enriching environment that promotes learning and development across all 7 key areas of learning in EYFS.

Communication and language

Communication and language development is crucial in the early years. We focus on enhancing children’s listening abilities, understanding spoken language, and expressing themselves effectively. We nurture their vocabulary and communication skills through storytelling, conversations, and interactive play.

Physical development

Physical development is about improving children’s coordination, control, and movement. We provide various activities that encourage both fine and gross motor skills. From running and climbing to drawing and cutting, we ensure that children develop the physical competencies needed for healthy growth.

Personal, social, and emotional development

Personal, social, and emotional development focuses on helping children understand themselves and how to interact with others. We foster a sense of self-confidence, the ability to manage emotions, and the importance of forming strong relationships. Through group activities and role-playing, children learn empathy, cooperation, and resilience.

Literacy

Literacy involves fostering a love for reading and writing. We introduce children to a variety of books and storytelling sessions, encouraging them to explore letters and sounds. Activities like drawing and mark-making help develop early writing skills, preparing them for future literacy success.

Mathematics

Mathematics in the early years is about making numbers fun and relatable. We engage children in counting games, puzzles, and practical activities that involve shapes, measurements, and problem-solving. This hands-on approach helps them build a solid foundation in basic mathematical concepts.

Understanding the world

Understanding the world encourages curiosity about the environment, people, and technology. We create opportunities for children to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and learn about different cultures and communities. Activities include nature walks, science experiments, and using simple digital tools.

Expressive arts and design

Expressive arts and design enable children to express their creativity through various forms of art, music, dance, and imaginative play. We provide materials and opportunities for children to experiment with colour, texture, sound, and movement, fostering their artistic talents and imagination.

Holistic approach

We focus on the whole child, not just academic skills. Development areas like physical, social-emotional, expressive, and self-care skills are interwoven into our daily learning.

Child-centred

Activities are based on children’s current interests and skill levels. We observe and plan accordingly, ensuring each child feels challenged but not overwhelmed.

Emergent learning

We allow flexibility for our curriculum to evolve. Children’s questions, fascinations, and even current events may guide our exploration and deepen learning.

Partnership with families

We strongly believe that parents are a child’s first teacher. Open communication, regular observations, and opportunities for parent involvement ensure continuity between home and nursery.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES

We take a holistic approach to early childhood education at the Mulberry Bush by embracing four core principles.

The EYFS framework at the Mulberry Bush is designed to nurture every aspect of a child’s development through a balanced and playful approach.

By focusing on child uniqueness, enabling environments, positive relationships, and diverse learning activities, we ensure that each child has the best start in life.

Child
uniqueness

No two children are alike! We observe each child to understand their interests and needs, tailoring our environment and activities accordingly. This approach fosters individuality and celebrates uniqueness.

Enabling environments

We create spaces that encourage exploration, play, and discovery. Our materials and activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate and equally engaging, ensuring that children can learn in a stimulating and supportive setting.

Positive relationship

Children thrive in secure and positive relationships with practitioners and their peers. At the Mulberry Bush, we foster an enriching environment ingrained with warmth, safety, and respect, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported.

Learning & development

Children learn best through play and experiences that spark their curiosity. We provide activities that support development across all key learning areas, holding attention and focus and ensuring a well-rounded approach to early education.

EYFS (EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE)

It’s not a rigid curriculum but a set of principles focused on the importance of play-based learning.

The EYFS is a framework that guides our work with children from birth to age five.

See below what the EYFS emphasises:

Child

uniqueness

No two children are alike! We observe each child to understand their interests and needs, tailoring our environment and activities accordingly, fostering individuality and celebrating uniqueness.

Enabling environments

We create spaces that encourage exploration, play, and discovery. Our materials and activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate and equally engaging.

Positive relationship

Children thrive in secure and positive relationships with practitioners and their peers. At The Mulberry Bush, we foster an enriching environment ingrained with warmth, safety, and respect.

Learning & development

Children learn best through play and experiences that spark their curiosity. We provide activities that support development across all key learning areas, holding attention and focus.

NURTURING CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Explore child development at the Mulberry Bush, where we believe every child’s journey is a time of wonder and growth possibilities.

At The Mulberry Bush, we believe that every child’s development is a unique journey filled with endless possibilities. We are committed to nurturing each child’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence as they progress through their early years. Our tailored approach supports children through every stage of child development, from building social skills to exploring new concepts. With a focus on the seven areas of learning in the EYFS curriculum, we create an environment where each child’s potential can flourish. Get in touch with us today.