Nursery
Welcome to Spring 1 in Nursery.
Have you ever visited a castle?
You may of seen pictures of a castle in a story book.
We will be exploring 'In and Around the Castle' this half term and we may have some help from some book characters along the way.
We will look at castles around the world as well as some more local to our area. As we talk about the sounds, shapes and structures we will also think about castles long ago and how they are different today.
We will be learning dances that may of been performed at parties in a castle... then to end our topic we will dress up, perform our dances and hold our own Royal Banquet at Oak Cottage.
In addition to our topic we will be celebrating Chinese New Year and World Religion Day. As a class we will share fiction and non-fiction books, learn about the experiences of others and build our understanding of the world around us.
Please see our curriculum newsletter for the different ways you can support your child. The newsletter for parents/carers is available to view on this class page.
'Jigsaw', our PSHE scheme
It is a robust and detailed scheme which supports personal, social, health and emotional development.
Each half term there is a different theme with weekly discussions, songs and stories that are supported by Jigsaw Jenie.
'Dreams and Goals'
We will be thinking about our own goals in Spring 1 - things we would like to learn, how we can develop perseverance and also how we can help others to do the same.
Jigsaw Jenie has been persevering putting on gloves, mittens and a hat!
What will you decide to set as your goal?
Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL)
This element of the current Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum advocates that in planning and guiding children’s activities, practitioners must reflect on the different ways that children learn, and then reflect these in their practice. A child’s individual learning characteristic will determine the way they respond to both the teaching and learning taking place in the environment.
The three characteristics of effective teaching and learning identified by the EYFS are:
- playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’;
- active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements; and
- creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.
The focus of the CoEL is on how children learn rather than what they learn i.e. process over outcome. Underpinning the CoEL is the understanding that during their earliest years, children form attitudes about learning that will last a lifetime. Children who receive the right sort of support and encouragement during these years will be creative, and adventurous learners throughout their lives. Children who do not receive this sort of support and interaction are likely to have a much different attitude about learning later on in life. Hence, why the supportive practitioner, and the environment they provide, need to nurture these CoELs to occur, but without forgetting that children are individuals who bring their own needs, talents and histories to the learning environment.
(taken from Foundation Stage Forum Ltd)
Autumn 1
Autumn 2




Parent Information and Support
Parent Power!
Did you know...'Solihull Parenting Team' are available to answer questions, offer advice and give support to all families as and when they feel they need it.
Keep up to date with parenting, enquiries, information queries: bsmhft.parenting@nhs.net
Alternatively speak to Mrs Dennis who will be able to give you more information.
Another great website is https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/ which offers support and guidance through different stages of development before 5 years of age.
In the EYFS, we teach about dental hygiene throughout the year.
The children learn the value of good brushing and how to use toothpaste to fight tooth decay. The Colgate Tooth Defenders help us to learn how to keep ourselves healthy and even give us our own toothbrush and toothpaste to take home!
The Tooth Defenders would like us to complete our brushing chart to make sure that we keep our teeth and gums healthy.
If you need any support for your child or any tips on keeping teeth clean, please see our documents below to help you. Also start taking your child to the dentist….it is never too early to start!