Our Nursery Curriculum at Buckshaw Village
Our curriculum is based on the Birth to 5 Matters framework and the Early Years Foundation Stage. It puts your child at the centre, helping them learn through play across seven areas of development at our Ofsted Outstanding nursery in Chorley.
Buckshaw Village Nursery bases its curriculum on the "Birth to 5 Matters" framework, which supports the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It places the child at the centre of practice, values their connections to family, community and nature, and considers the whole child across seven areas of learning from birth to 5.
A curriculum built on Birth to 5 Matters
At Buckshaw Village Nursery our curriculum is based on the "Birth to 5 Matters" framework, which guides early years practice across every area of a child's development. It reflects the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the legal framework for early education, updated to meet the needs of children today.
This approach shapes everything we do, from our youngest babies to pre-school children who are getting ready for their move to school. Families from Buckshaw Village, Chorley, Leyland, Euxton, Preston and Whittle-le-Woods choose The Hub at Buckshaw for this ambitious and caring way of learning.
Three principles at the heart of our practice
Our curriculum centres on three core principles that keep every child, and every family, at the heart of nursery life.
The child at the centre
Every plan starts with the individual child, their interests, their character and their next steps in learning.
Family, community and nature
We recognise each child's connections to their family, their community and the natural world around Buckshaw Village.
The whole child
We consider the whole child, their physical, social, emotional, health and learning needs, not just academic progress.
The seven areas of learning
Following the EYFS, our curriculum covers seven areas of learning and development. Three prime areas come first and underpin everything a child does. These support four specific areas, in which the prime skills are strengthened and applied. To explore this framework in more detail, see our guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Three prime areas
Personal, social and emotional development
Helping children build positive relationships, understand their feelings and grow in independence and self confidence.
Physical development
Developing coordination, control and movement, both large and small, through active indoor and outdoor play.
Communication and language
Giving children rich chances to listen, talk, build vocabulary and express themselves with confidence.
Four specific areas
Literacy development
Encouraging a love of books, early reading and mark making that leads towards writing.
Mathematics
Building an understanding of numbers, counting, shape, space and measure through everyday play.
Understanding the world
Exploring people, communities, nature and technology to make sense of the world around them.
Expressive arts and design
Nurturing imagination and creativity through art, music, movement, role play and design.
Observation, assessment and planning
To track each child's individual progress, our practitioners follow a continuous cycle of observation, assessment and planning. They watch children as they play and learn, assess where each child is developing well and where a little more support might help, then plan the next steps.
As part of this, staff capture photos and videos of your child's learning. These become part of our learning and development record and paint a rich picture of your child's journey through nursery.
Learning Journals you can see 24/7
Everything we observe is shared with parents through electronic Learning Journals. Accessible 24 hours a day through a smartphone app, they let you follow your child's photos, videos and progress wherever you are.
This keeps home and nursery working closely together, so you can celebrate each new skill and talk about your child's day, even before you have picked them up.
Our learning environment
Our curriculum comes to life through the everyday environment we create for children. We bring together daily routines, indoor and outdoor play, individual learning needs, community outings and adult led activities, all built around play.
Daily routines
Consistent, reassuring routines that help children feel secure and know what comes next.
Indoor and outdoor play
Free flow between our rooms and outdoor areas so children can learn and explore in every season.
Individual learning needs
Recognising and responding to what each child needs, so every child is challenged and supported.
Local community outings
Trips into Buckshaw Village and the wider Chorley area that bring learning to life beyond the nursery.
Adult led interventions
Purposeful, playful activities led by our practitioners to teach new skills and extend learning.
Play at the heart
Play as the essential vehicle for development, building the confidence to have a go and keep trying.
Why play matters so much
The setting emphasises play as essential for development and confidence building. Through play, children make sense of the world, test their ideas, work with others and learn to keep going when something is tricky.
Whether your child is splashing outdoors, building with friends or lost in a story, they are learning. This playful, purposeful approach is a big part of why we are proud to be an Ofsted Outstanding nursery. To see it for yourself, explore our nursery facilities or arrange a visit.
See our curriculum in action
Buckshaw Village Nursery is at The Hub, Unity Place, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7HZ, just off the M6 with free parking. Get in touch to find out how our team brings the curriculum to life for every child.
Curriculum questions, answered
What curriculum does Buckshaw Village Nursery follow?
What are the seven areas of learning in the curriculum?
How do you track my child's progress?
How do children learn at the nursery?
Which areas does the nursery serve?
Give your child the best early years start
See how our Birth to 5 Matters curriculum helps children thrive at our Outstanding Buckshaw Village Nursery in Chorley.