The Village Preschools

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is built around one simple idea: children learn best when they’re happy, curious and following their own interests.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

All our preschools follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage framework, which guides learning and development for children from birth to five. But we don’t just tick boxes — we bring the EYFS to life through purposeful, joyful play that children genuinely love.

Our Approach

How We Plan Learning

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In-the-Moment Planning

When a child discovers a ladybird in the garden or becomes fascinated by mixing paint colours, our staff seize that moment. We follow children’s natural curiosity and turn everyday discoveries into rich learning experiences — right there and then.

Observation & Assessment

Staff use information from parents, initial assessments and ongoing observations to understand each child’s unique interests, strengths and developmental stage. This allows us to plan precisely what each child needs to learn next.

Seasonal & Interest-Based Topics

Our activities evolve throughout the year, reflecting the seasons and whatever has captured the children’s imaginations. This keeps learning fresh, relevant and exciting.

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Curriculum

Seven Areas of Learning

What Children Learn

Communication & Language

Staff engage children in rich conversations, introduce new vocabulary and encourage storytelling through books, singing and nursery rhymes. Children develop strong listening skills and confidence in expressing themselves.

Physical Development

From climbing and running in the garden to moulding dough and chalking on boards, children develop both large and small motor skills. These activities build the coordination and hand strength needed for early writing.

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Building friendships, understanding emotions, learning to share and developing independence. Children learn to recognise how they feel and develop the emotional resilience they need for school and life.

Specific Areas

Literacy

Enjoying books, recognising their name, early mark-making and developing a love of stories.

Mathematics

Counting, sorting, patternmaking and problem-solving through hands-on activities and everyday routines.

Understanding the World

Exploring nature, community trips, seasonal changes and learning about people and places beyond the preschool.

Expressive Arts & Design

Painting, drawing, music, role-play and imaginative play that lets children express themselves creatively.

Preparing for School

By the time children leave The Village Preschools, they’re not just academically ready for school — they’re emotionally ready too. Our focus on independence, confidence and social skills means children transition to reception feeling secure, capable and excited about the next step in their learning journey.

Confident communicators

Children express their needs, share ideas and engage in conversations with adults and peers.

Independent learners

From putting on their own coats to choosing their own activities, children develop the self-reliance that helps them thrive in a classroom setting.

Socially skilled

Children understand turn-taking, sharing, kindness and how to build friendships — the foundations of a happy school experience.

Curious & engaged

Our child-led approach nurtures a genuine love of learning that carries through into primary school and beyond.

Physically prepared

Strong fine motor skills from dough-making, chalking and mark-making mean children are ready to hold a pencil and begin writing with confidence.