At Daven Nursery, our long-term planning is coherently structured to ensure that each stage of learning meets the demands of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. For our youngest learners, we ensure that progress is clearly mapped and monitored across all areas of development.
Our curriculum is designed so that each term and year build upon the last, allowing children to revisit and recall prior learning, make meaningful connections, develop fluency, and deepen their understanding. This progressive structure supports children in becoming confident, independent learners who are well-prepared for their next phase of education.
Implementation
At Daven Primary School, we follow the Early Years Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, updated September 2025 by the DfE. This framework outlines the requirements for learning and development in the Early Years and defines the prime and specific areas of learning that shape our curriculum.
Our approach is rooted in our vision to empower pupils to take on the world, and we embed our core values—brave, kind, and curious—into every aspect of early learning. We foster active learning environments where children are motivated, engaged, and encouraged to explore with confidence.
We take time to understand each child’s interests and preferences, using this knowledge to tailor learning experiences that spark curiosity and support meaningful progress. Through this personalised and values-driven approach, we ensure that children are well-prepared for their next phase of learning.
Below lists the areas of learning:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Each area of learning (as outlined above) is delivered through planned, purposeful play, combining both adult-led and child-initiated activities. Children are supported by well-resourced indoor and outdoor environments, and by skilled staff who interact thoughtfully to challenge and extend their development. We encourage children to be active participants in their learning, giving them the freedom to choose where, how, and with whom they play. This approach nurtures independence, creativity, and a love of learning, ensuring every child is well-prepared for their next stage of education.
Impact
At Daven Primary School, we assess children’s development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, including formal assessment against the Early Learning Goals. These judgements are moderated both internally and with external practitioners to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Observations of children’s learning and progress are regularly recorded and shared with families through Tapestry, our online learning journal. This helps to build strong home-school partnerships and keeps parents actively involved in their child’s development.
Our aim is to ensure that all children develop the confidence, independence, and resilience to embrace the next stage of their learning journey. We encourage them to begin demonstrating our school values, which support their growth as lifelong learners.
The impact of our curriculum is also measured by how well children have settled into our school community and how they are developing into brave, kind, and curious individuals. We want every child to leave the nursery excited about learning and ready to take on the world.