Our Approach To Child Development
At Wisbech Day Nursery, we believe every child is unique. Children develop at different rates, have individual interests and strengths, and bring their own experiences, personalities and ideas to nursery. Our approach to child development is built around knowing each child well, understanding how they learn and providing the right support and challenge at every stage of their development.
We provide a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued and confident to explore, play, communicate and learn.
“Every child deserves to be known, valued, supported and given the opportunity to thrive.”
At Wisbech Day Nursery, we create the foundations for children to become confident, independent, curious and enthusiastic learners, while ensuring that childhood remains a time of happiness, play, exploration and discovery.
Learning Through Play
Play is at the heart of everything we do.
We know that children learn best when they are actively involved, interested and having fun. Through play, children develop their communication, physical skills, independence, problem-solving abilities, creativity and understanding of the world around them.
Our practitioners carefully observe children’s interests and use these to extend learning through meaningful experiences. Whether a child is building a tower, exploring outdoors, sharing a story, pretending in the home corner or investigating a natural object, every experience provides opportunities for learning and development.
We balance child-led play with thoughtful adult interaction, ensuring children have time to explore independently while also benefiting from skilled practitioners who know when to observe, when to join in and when to introduce a new challenge.
Knowing Every Child
Our practitioners take the time to get to know every child as an individual.
We consider:
- What interests and motivates them
- What they already know and can do
- How they communicate
- Their individual strengths and abilities
- Their confidence and emotional development
- Their family, culture and experiences
- What they need help and support with
- What their next steps in learning might be
This knowledge allows us to provide experiences that are meaningful and appropriate for each child, rather than expecting every child to learn in exactly the same way or at the same pace.
Supporting the Whole Child
We take a holistic approach to development. We recognise that children’s emotional wellbeing, relationships, physical health and learning are closely connected.
Our curriculum supports all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, with a particular focus on developing strong foundations in:
Communication and Language
Helping children develop listening, attention, understanding, confidence and vocabulary so they can express themselves and communicate effectively.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Supporting children to build relationships, develop confidence, manage emotions, become increasingly independent and understand how to work and play alongside others.
Physical Development
Providing opportunities to develop gross and fine motor skills, coordination, strength and control, alongside developing healthy habits and increasing independence.
Alongside these essential foundations, children develop their understanding of literacy, mathematics, the world and expressive arts and design through a rich range of experiences.
The Importance of Relationships
Positive relationships are fundamental to children’s development.
Our practitioners build warm, responsive and respectful relationships with children, creating a secure base from which they can explore and learn. We listen to children, value their ideas and respond sensitively to their individual needs.
We also recognise that strong partnerships with families are essential. Parents and carers know their children best, and we value the information they share with us. By working together, we can build a fuller picture of each child’s development and ensure that learning continues between home and nursery.
Developing Independence and Confidence
We want children to leave Wisbech Day Nursery as confident, capable and curious learners.
Throughout their time with us, children are encouraged to:
- Make choices and express their preferences
- Try things for themselves
- Solve problems
- Take appropriate risks
- Persevere when things are difficult
- Care for themselves and their environment
- Develop resilience
- Ask questions and share ideas
- Celebrate their achievements
Our practitioners provide encouragement and support without doing things for children that they are capable of doing themselves.
Preparing Children for Their Next Steps
We want every child to develop the skills, confidence and characteristics they need for their next stage of learning.
For younger children, this may mean developing secure attachments, communication and physical skills. For older children, it may include developing independence, listening and concentration, early literacy and mathematical understanding, social skills and the confidence to approach new experiences.
When children move on to school or their next stage of education, we work closely with families and receiving settings to support a positive and well-planned transition.
Working in Partnership with Families
We believe children’s development is strongest when nursery and home work together.
We share information with families, listen to their views and encourage parents and carers to contribute to their child’s learning journey. We value the experiences children bring from home and use these to enrich their learning at nursery.
Welcoming a child to the nursery
Children about to start nursery are encouraged to make one or two familiarisation visits with a parent/carer to help them settle in. On their first ‘proper’ day with us they will be welcomed by their Key Person and re-introduced to the other children. Whilst we try not to encourage children to bring their own toys from home with them, however sometimes a teddy or blanket can be a comfort for them in their first few sessions. However, most children quickly settle in and enjoy their new surroundings.
The day nursery has mature, experienced staff who provide commitment and consistency for both you and your child. Wisbech Day Nursery endeavours to ensure your child develops and reaches their full potential on their Learning Journey, in a caring, happy and fun environment.
The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round. Sessions are from 7am until 6.30pm. The nursery provides sessional care, funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children
The nursery supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those speaking English as an additional language.