We believe children learn best when they are fully engaged and having fun. Play is an essential part of how young children explore, discover and grow, and every activity is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and support their overall development.

Our indoor and outdoor spaces provide a safe, well‑organised and nurturing environment, carefully resourced with toys, play equipment and open‑ended materials that help children progress across all areas of learning.

Our Approach

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework which sets the national standards for learning, development, and care for all children in this age range. This ensures that every child is kept safe, develops well, and gains the knowledge and skills they need as the move through their early years. To see how this continues in school, visit our reception page.

Learning at Meynell Nursery

Every day is full of play, exploration and new adventures! We support children to work towards the 7 Early Learning Goals through purposeful play and nurturing relationships that build confidence, curiosity and independence.

Prime Areas of Learning

We help children develop a strong sense of themselves and their place in the world. Through play and interaction, they learn to:

  • Develop interest and awareness of their environment
  • Build a positive self‑image and form meaningful relationships
  • Show tolerance, respect, care and understanding for others
  • Acquire a sense of enjoyment and have a positive attitude to learning
  • Develop independence (e.g. dressing, toileting, washing, eating)

Communication lies at the heart of early learning. Children are supported to:

  • Listen carefully
  • Communicate confidently and with understanding

Children strengthen their fine and gross motor skills through indoor and outdoor play, developing coordination, balance and confidence in movement.

Specific Areas of Learning

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. We foster a lifelong love of books by providing access to a wide range of stories and texts that build vocabulary, comprehension and oracy. Children are introduced to phonics, laying strong foundations for reading and writing as they move into Reception.

Children develop a natural interest in numbers, patterns and problem‑solving through games, songs, rhymes and practical activities. We aim to nurture confidence and enjoyment in early maths.

Children explore the world around them through investigation, exploration and hands‑on experiences. They begin to make sense of their community, the natural environment and the wider world.

Creativity is encouraged through art, music, movement, role‑play and imaginative activities. Children have opportunities to express themselves, explore ideas and develop both confidence and creativity.