At The Roche Nursery School, we follow the Montessori philosophy offering our children a respectful and stimulating learning environment enabling a positive experience of learning.
We also follow the Early Years Foundation Stage which is a play-based framework and links successfully well with our Montessori approach.
Curriculum Intent
The child is at the centre of what we do at The Roche Nursery School. We recognise that each child is unique and will follow their own pathway in their learning journey. Our curriculum is built on strong pedagogical principles, with every child encouraged to meet and achieve their potential and try their best. Working with the child’s parent/carers and drawing on their experiences, we make it our aim to discover what the children’s interests are and what they are good at and use this to promote a positive attitude to learning.
The diversity and welcoming approach of our school, with 25 different spoken languages, is reflected in the rich curriculum we deliver, adapted and developed for all children. We recognise that each child will bring their unique talents which we can build upon giving them the future skills for their early life. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with opportunities for pupils to celebrate, share and learn about their different cultural and spiritual beliefs.
Our aim is to encourage all children to follow their own lines of enquiry and we offer a curriculum where there are no limits to learning with a clear development of skills. Pupils may not have access at home to all the learning and experiences that pupils have access to at Keswick House and we work hard to help families value the importance of offering their children a wide range of experiences. Our curriculum is about fostering a love of learning, a sense of enjoyment and pride in their achievements and respecting the achievements of those around us. Our curriculum is ambitious with a desire for children to experience awe and wonder along the way.
Curriculum Implementation
The curriculum is based on specifically designed and quality resources, many of which are tailor made. We offer a creatively planned and sequenced curriculum, offering adapted teaching which is a key tool to success. Children will learn at a pace which is appropriate to their style and level of learning so that their confidence is never undermined but always built upon. Teachers deliver one to one and group teaching where enquiry- based learning features highly through their personal interests. This is how we engage the children.
Creativity and teacher expertise are woven into the curriculum with strong teacher knowledge in the EYFS, specialist teachers including Montessori and outside agencies working with pupils and teachers, sharing good practice and ensuring that learners learn from the best.
Each curriculum area outlines development opportunities and links with the school development plan.
Curriculum Impact
The impact of the curriculum is monitored through many outcomes: pupil voice, tracking outcomes, planning, monitoring of Tapestry observations and displays, lesson learning walks, discussions with teaching staff, pupils and parents.
Pupils, parents and staff are consistently and consulted about the curriculum and the impact that it makes and help us to deliver.
The desired outcomes of the curriculum will ensure that pupils become inquisitive learners, prepared to take risks, to use their voice and become ready to embark on primary school. Above all we aim for children to be excited and motivated to learn. They will be equipped with strong Early years foundations, knowledge and skills to achieve success in later education. Children will have an understanding of what they are good at and have developed skills, confidence and resilience to face challenges.