Our Vision – The Nursery Ethos

Locks Heath Infant & Nursery School offers a nurturing environment where ‘pupil’s personal development is at the heart of the school and adults understand the children’s needs and care for them sensitively’ (Ofsted 2023).  This approach is extended into our nursery provision and we are committed to developing good mental health for early year’s children, developing self-regulation skills with responsive care from reliable, dedicated and empathetic trusted adults. 

We are committed to providing high quality early years learning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.  Our most recent Ofsted report (2023) stated ‘Children’s learning journeys start well in the early years.  Children participate in a range of useful activities that support their learning across the curriculum.’   Our Ofsted grade for Early Years provision was GOOD and the overall grading for the school was GOOD.   The nursery curriculum will develop confident and curious learners who are able to build positive relationships with others.

The Curiosity Approach

The Curiosity Approach is an educational philosophy that emphasises child-led learning through exploration, play, and discovery.  Drawing inspiration from pioneers of early childhood education, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Steiner, it blends their principles to create a nurturing and stimulating environment and works hand in hand with the schools ethos and learning values.

Children in our nursery will benefit from aspects of this approach, experiencing a home from home environment, which is bursting with authentic materials.  We try incredibly hard to provide the children with a wide range of open ended resources, including china, glass jars and stainless steel, moving away from plastic as much as possible.  Messy play will be a huge part of our day and a dirty uniform is a sign of a good day!

The Transition to Nursery

Starting nursery is a big step for you and your child.  At Locks Heath Infant & Nursery School, we aim to make the transition between home and nursery as smooth as possible.  We will work in partnership with you to ensure that your child feels happy and safe whilst they are in our environment.  We have stay and play sessions for you and your child.  These sessions are designed to offer the children an opportunity to play in the nursery environment and to meet their key person and peer group.  It is also an opportunity for you to get to know the staff that will be caring for your child and to discuss your child’s needs, likes and dislikes.  This is so we can ensure your child is fully supported when they start with us.  While most children will settle into nursery easily, it is important to remember that every child is different and some will take a little longer and need more support and encouragement.  Each child will be assigned a key person.  This person will be your main point of contact and plays a vital role in supporting your child, learning, development and overall wellbeing.  You will receive a leaflet containing the details of your child’s key person.

Our Learning Environment

The nursery staff will ensure that the classroom is always inviting and has lots of interesting things for us to explore. We have our own garden area that we can free flow into, as well as the use of the early years playground. We are incredibly lucky to be able to use other areas within our school.  The nursery team will ensure that the children have regular visits to the hall, music room, library and of course our wonderful nature reserve.  We may also visit the KS1 playground from time to time as well.