Children’s Learning & Development

Early years education provides your child with the foundation for learning crucial values and attitudes, and our highly qualified staff have vast experience in stimulating and encouraging children in these extremely important early years of development.

Darling Buds Nursery Children's Learning and Development

Birth to Three Matters

We follow the Birth to Three Matters Framework which supports the learning of children under three years of age with its attention focused completely on the child. Steering clear of specific curriculum headings, it bears in mind the skills that babies and young children are developing, and the environment that should be provided for them to achieve such skills.

The framework focuses on four main areas of learning and development:

  • A Strong Child
  • A Healthy Child
  • A Competent Learner
  • A Skilful Communicator

The purpose of the framework is to work in partnership with the Parents/Carers of the child to ensure that young children are valued and celebrated, that they are seen as competent learners, and learn through a safe and stimulating environment with confident and trusting adults.

The Foundation Phase: 3-7 year old

Darling Buds Nursery Children's Learning and Development

The Foundation Phase curriculum is planned as a progressive framework to meet the diverse needs of all children through play – from those who are at an earlier stage of development to those who are more able. It focuses on seven statutory areas of learning:

  • Personal & Social Development, Well-Being and Cultural Diversity
  • Language, Literacy and Communication Skills
  • Mathematical Development
  • Welsh Language Development
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  • Physical Development
  • Creative Development

The Foundation Phase is based on the principle that day nurseries offer a strong foundation for future learning and achievement through a developmentally appropriate curriculum, which is in accordance with each child’s needs and interests.

At Darling Buds, children learn through a variety of child-initiated and adult-led activities, which include:

  • Name Recognition
  • Colours, Shapes, Letters & Numbers
  • Story Time
  • Singing
  • Creative and Imaginative Activities
  • Pencil & Scissor Control
  • Outdoor Garden Games
  • Dance & Movement
  • Organised outings around The Bay and local park

As part of their learning and development, children at Darling Buds have an opportunity to participate in a range of local outings, including walks and visits off the premises. Outings and visits are planned to enhance and complement the learning opportunities within the Nursery.

All off-site activities include Risk Assessment Planning to ensure the safety and individual needs of the children in our care.

Additional learning opportunities are provided daily through spontaneous play, such as:

  • Sand & Water
  • Role Play
  • Art & Crafts
  • Small World
  • Mark Making

Children participate in dedicated daily activities through the medium of Welsh.

We also have a highly experienced children’s Dance Teacher visiting the Nursery on a weekly basis. These sessions provide fun and engaging opportunities for little ones to learn and develop through the medium of dance.

At Darling Buds, we encourage little ones to make independent decisions; develop new skills; discover new things about themselves and the world around them and learn to effectively communicate and socialise with others from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

We strive to provide a happy and secure environment for every child in our care where learning is always fun!