Learning through play at Shaftesbury Childrens Centre nursery

The nursery delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to support children with:

• communication and language skills
• physical development
• personal, social, and emotional development
• literacy skills
• mathematical understanding
• expressive arts and design
• understanding of the world

The nursery use the curriculum throughout the nursery, including in outdoor play activities. 

Whilst most children will have their needs met without the need for specialist support and adjustments, some have special educational needs or a disability (SEND). We are experienced in adapting how we support their development.

Find out more about early years support for children with SEND.

Preparing your child for school at Shaftesbury Nursery

The early years are such an important part of your child’s learning and development, and we will help families understand the role we all play in supporting children to lay the foundations to thrive, ready to start school.

You can read about giving children the best start in life. This includes ideas and useful information, so they are ready to start school.

Additional support

The nursery provides support to all children and their families who need it. They work with other professionals to ensure the needs of children are supported. Support includes:

• the local Family Hub team
• Best Start in Life advisors
• Educational Psychologists
• Social Care
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Start for Life guide

The staff have great experience working in early years. This includes working with children with: 

• disabilities 
• learning difficulties 
• complex medical conditions

There is a dedicated Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) within the setting. See the Local Offer to find out about support for children with SEN and disabilities.

Preparing your child for school

The nursery helps prepare children for school by:

• helping them to achieve their early learning goals
• giving them the right knowledge and skills
• working with local schools to support children and their families in the transition to school

There is also a child led transition process within the nursery as children progress from room to room.