Our Curriculum

At ABC at the Mill, we believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, creativity, exploration and meaningful relationships. Our curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn.

We see children as capable and curious, with their own ideas, interests and ways of learning. Every experience within our nursery is thoughtfully planned to encourage children to investigate, question, create and develop confidence in themselves and the world around them.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach

We follow the Reggio Emilia approach, where children are encouraged to express themselves in many different ways. This can be through art, storytelling, music, movement, role play, mark making, construction and conversation. This is often described as the "hundred languages of children." Hands on learning and relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

Children learn best through:
• Hands on experiences
• Meaningful relationships
• Exploration and investigation
• Creative expression
• Opportunities to follow their own interests

Our team carefully observe children, listening to their ideas and extend learning through carefully planned experiences and interactions.

For example, if children become interested in building, we may:
• Explore different types of structures using loose parts
• Read stories about builders and homes
• Visit the local environment to look at construction work
• Introduce tools, measuring and mark making opportunities
• Create collaborative building projects outdoors

This allows learning to feel meaningful, exciting and connected to children’s real interests.

The Environment as the 'Third Teacher'

Every space within our nursery is designed to feel warm, calm, inviting and inspiring. The environment plays an important role in children's learning journey and promotes engagement through curiosity.

We create nurturing environments by:
• Using soft lighting and natural materials
• Creating cosy reading corners and quiet spaces
• Organising carefully chosen resources on accessible shelves
• Including natural textures such as wood, wicker, plants and fabrics
• Creating open ended play spaces that can change based on children’s interests

Our rooms are intentionally uncluttered so children can focus, explore and independently access the resources they need.

Children are surrounded by open ended materials and “treasures” including:
• Pinecones, shells and leaves
• Sticks collected during walks
• Wooden spoons and kitchen utensils
• Fabrics, baskets and loose parts
• Natural sensory materials
• Recyclable materials for creative projects

These resources encourage imagination, critical thinking and creativity because they can be used in many different ways.

Encouraging Independence & Choice

Children develop confidence when they are trusted to make choices and take ownership of their learning. Throughout the day, children are encouraged to choose resources independently, select where they would like to play, access materials from open shelving, and decide how to use open ended resources.

Our team carefully support children to develop independence at their own pace. Rather than immediately solving problems for children, we encourage them to think critically, try new strategies and build resilience. Simple daily routines such as hanging up coats, serving themselves at mealtimes and choosing resources independently all help children develop confidence and life long skills.

Learning Through Curiosity & Exploration

Our planning is based around children’s interests, developmental stages and individual learning styles.

Children learn through:

Play and exploration
Creative experiences
Sensory activities
Outdoor learning
Storytelling and communication
Problem solving opportunities
Real life experiences
Relationships with each other and adults

We carefully observe children’s interests and use these to extend learning naturally.

For example, if children show interest in insects, we may:

Go on bug hunts outdoors
Use magnifying glasses to investigate closely
Create insect artwork in the ABC Art Atelier
Read non-fiction books about minibeasts
Count and sort insects
Build bug hotels outdoors

This approach helps children become engaged learners while developing skills across all areas of learning.

Outdoor Learning

Our beautiful woodland themed outdoor area is a natural extension of our indoor environment and reflects the same calm, curiosity led ethos.

Children are encouraged to:

Explore nature
Investigate the changing seasons
Climb, balance and move freely
Dig, build and create
Take manageable risks
Develop physical confidence

Some of the best learning experiences happen outside. Whether children are collecting leaves, mixing mud potions, balancing, riding trikes or creating masterpieces, they are developing creativity, resilience, communication and problem solving skills.

Settling in

Starting nursery is an important milestone for both children and their families, and we want this transition to be as smooth as possible.

At our settling in sessions we take time to learn about:

• Home routines
• Comforters and sleep needs
• Interests and favourite activities
• Family values and cultures
• Individual care needs

Our settling process includes:

• A one hour stay and play session with a parent or carer
• A two hour independent session
• A three hour independent session, where children enjoy a mealtime as part of the session.

We understand that every child settles in at their own pace, and our approach is always flexible and supportive to meet the child's individual needs.

The Role of the Key Person

Each child is supported by a Key Person who builds a strong relationship with both the child and their family.

The Key Person plays an important role in helping children feel safe, happy and confident at nursery. They take time to really get to know each child as an individual, understanding:

• Their personality
• Interests and fascinations
• Comfort needs
• Learning styles
• Routines and family values

The Key Person supports children through:

• Caring and nurturing interactions
• Offering comfort and reassurance when needed
• Celebrating achievements and milestones
• Planning experiences around children’s interests
• Supporting emotional wellbeing and friendships
• Encouraging confidence and independence

The Key worker work closely with families through daily conversations, observations and shared updates to help create a strong connection between home and nursery.

We know that parents and carers are children’s first and most important teachers, and building strong relationships with families is a big part of what we do.

To help families feel connected to their child’s nursery experience, we:

• Share regular updates and observations
• Celebrate achievements and special moments together
• Chat with families at drop-off and collection times
• Encourage parents to share experiences from home, either in person or through the ParentZone app
• Invite families to nursery events and celebrations
• Offer stay and play sessions

We also use ParentZone, a secure and interactive app where families can:

• View photos and videos from their child’s day
• Read learning observations
• Message their child’s Key Person
• Share updates and achievements from home
• Stay connected to nursery life

By working together, we can create a consistent and supportive experience that helps children feel happy, confident and secure both at home and at nursery.

Family partnership

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

We know that healthy eating plays an important role in supporting children’s growth, wellbeing and learning.

Our menus are carefully planned in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage nutrition guidance and introduce children to a variety of:

Fruits and vegetables
Textures and flavours
Healthy balanced meals
Positive mealtime experiences

Mealtimes are also valuable social learning experiences where children:

Develop independence
Practise using cutlery
Learn self care skills
Build confidence
Explore healthy choices
Enjoy conversation with their friends and the adults

Children are encouraged to serve themselves where appropriate, helping to build confidence and independence in everyday routines.