At Tottington Primary School, our Early Years Foundation Stage consists of Totts Nursery Class and two Reception Classes. We ensure our early years curriculum is carefully crafted around the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. We are committed to providing an ambitious and purposeful curriculum that is tailored to the unique needs of our children. Guided by the Development Matters non-statutory framework, our experienced and knowledgeable staff create a learning environment that fosters exploration, play, and a love for learning.

We firmly believe that children learn best through interactive experiences and hands-on exploration. That's why our fantastic learning environment is thoughtfully planned, incorporating continuous provision and open-ended tasks. Through continuous provision, our children have access to a rich variety of carefully selected resources and materials, allowing them to engage in self-directed learning and follow their curiosities. Open-ended tasks further enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey.

With our comprehensive approach that includes exploration, continuous provision, and open-ended tasks, we provide our children with a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Our Curriculum

The aim of our Early Years curriculum is to equip children with the skills and knowledge they need to explore and understand the world around them. We believe that children grow and develop when they have access to a well thought out learning environment and engaged adults. The teaching and learning of new skills and knowledge is delivered through both adult and child led opportunities both indoors and outdoors.

In Totts Nursery we bring curiosity, awe and wonder into Early Years education and creating the 'thinkers' and 'doers' of the future. We focus on the importance of knowledge and skills that will support children in every way possible so that they can make the most of opportunities and fulfill their potential along with promoting their independence. We observe children at play and plan activities that follow their interests and introduce them to new ideas and concepts. The staff share and discuss experiences, role model language and positive behaviour whilst scaffolding children's learning through play.Our natural 'Curiosity Approach' environment allows us to create enchanting pockets of learning that have a visually appealing manner which highlight the magic, wonder and possibilities of the resources on offer, inviting the children to become curious about them. We offer children the opportunity to access authentic resources, loose parts and recycled materials that allow children opportunities to learn how to think. 

In Reception our curriculum is ambitious, and caters to the unique needs of each learner, ensuring they are ready for their next stage of education. Our approach is centred around play, following the Statutory Framework, and supplemented with focused carpet sessions and small group work. We engage in Mathematics, Literacy, Phonics, and Reading sessions, while incorporating all areas of learning throughout our Continuous Provision. To support the well-being of our students, we integrate 'Our Happy Mind' into our PSHE curriculum, fostering a happy and thriving school environment. Reading is a key focus from the start, as we introduce 'Little Wandle' and carefully select books to read aloud, expanding the children's understanding and vocabulary. Our learning environment is meticulously planned to ensure that learning opportunities are abound in every corner.