We recognise the value of a flexible and responsive curriculum. We know that positive outcomes for children and families are realised in settings which uphold the rights of the child. Where respect and responsiveness to the holistic needs of the individual child are the defining features and are achieved through shared relationships and collaboration.
The early childhood curriculum is about what the child wants to learn within a caring, nurturing environment. While the intentional promotion of specific experiences and interactions are important for young children to learn, so too is a curriculum which values and upholds the rights of the child. The right to a relevant, coherent and child-centred curriculum which recognises and intends to build on what the child already knows. These intentions must be supported by high quality interactions and warm caring relationships. Relationships which are well judged and focussed on extending and deepening children’s skills as lifelong learners.
Pedagogy is what we know about children and how they learn, together with the experiences and responses we provide the curriculum. It describes our methodology and our understanding and beliefs of what is right for young children. In determining the nature of our pedagogy, we need to consider the child, the experiences we provide, our interactions, the spaces, the family and their community and how these factors influence each child’s holistic development and progress in learning. A child centre play pedagogy and curriculum is what fully underpins our practice at Childcare Scotland nurseries. Our staff understand the value and importance of play pedagogy. Play is a natural part of human nature and development for babies and children, the essential role of play is well documented. Through play a child develops their cognitive, social, emotional and physical capacities.
Keeping up to date with best practice and guidelines contributes to the children’s progress and the overall good quality of the children’s experiences we can offer; we have achieved this through a variety of methods. As part of a group of nurseries we are fortunate that we can provide time for staff to research and source resources, which support our programmes. Staff are able to attend meetings and seminars which inform, launch and provide new ideas and experiences for both the children and staff.
We ensure that children’s learning experiences are coherent, relevant and cross curricular. We follow the National Standard Criteria so that we all have a clear and consistent understanding of what is required by us to improve the early years experiences for our children and to give them the best start in life.
Our children have the opportunity to make choices about their learning through big book planning. Children benefit from a group worker who observes the child and plans for their next steps in their development and learning. Children enjoy learning and have access to their care plans/learning journeys; they are free to add pictures and photographs etc.
Our staff interact well and know each child as an individual, children feel safe, valued and secure within the nursery environment. Health Visitors, Speech and Occupational Therapists as well as other professionals visit children when required to.