Birth to 3 Matters

At Little Cherubs Nursery the baby, toddler & 2-3 rooms follow the "Birth to 3 Matters", which is a National Standard that the staff refer to in their daily planning for your child.

Birth to 3 Matters creates a framework that supports children in their early years by identifying 4 aspects which are:
A Strong Child
A Skilful Communicator
A Competent Learner
A Healthy Child

Linked to this & following on from this is the Foundation Stage.
In both small and larger groups, children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking, listening and hearing and responding to stories, songs and rhymes. Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of the purpose of writing and when they are to use drawn and written symbols for themselves. A well stocked book corner gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with the books and how to handle them as well as being aware of their uses, both for reference and as a source of stories and pictures. Little Cherubs uses Phonics, which is used in most schools.
Personal & Social Development

Within a nurturing environment, children are individually supported in developing confidence, autonomy and self respect. They are encouraged to work and concentrate independently and also to take part in the life of the Nursery by sharing and co-operating with other children and adults. Through activities, conversation and practical example they learn acceptable ways to express their own feelings and to respect the feelings of others. All children are given the opportunity, as appropriate, to take responsibility for themselves and the Nursery property.
By means of adult supported practical experience, children become familiar with the sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities, which form the basis for early mathematics. As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisted to learn to use the
vocabulary of Mathematics, identifying objects by shape, position, size, volume and number. Songs, games and picture books help children become aware of number sequences and, when they are ready, to use simple mathematical operations such as adding.

Knowledge & Understanding of the World
A safe and stimulating environment allows children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognizing differences, patterns and similarities, and to share and record their feelings. Children are assisted in exploring and understanding their environment both within the Nursery and also in the wider community. A range of safe and well maintained equipment enables children to achieve their aims and to solve problems.
Physical Development

A range of equipment and opportunities, which allow the children to develop the confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own bodily skills. A very high level of adult supervision enables the children to create and meet physical challenges safely, thereby developing increasing skill and control in activities such as climbing and balancing. The children are supported in the development of their fine motor skills required to use tools, including pens, pencils and handling small objects, with increasing control and precision.
Creative Development
Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own ideas and feelings. Construction materials are readily available offering creative experiences in two and three dimensions. Art equipment including paint, glue, crayons and pencils as well as natural and discarded resources are provided for open-ended exploration. Awareness of colour, shape and texture is achieved and the development of skills in painting, drawing and collage encouraged. Children join in imaginative role-play and respond to music and stories. There are many opportunities for both the individual and as part of a group.
No child will ever be pushed into learning but the emphasis is on fun. We hope they will choose to join