Our early years curriculum is rooted in a child-centred philosophy that places the unique needs, interests, and developmental pathways of each child at the heart of all learning experiences. It is designed to nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence through meaningful, hands-on engagement with the world around them. Our curriculum ensures children leave the Early Years Foundation Stage with the core skills, attitudes, and dispositions needed to thrive.

Core Curriculum Features:

• Child-Centred Learning
• Experience-Rich Environments
• Developmentally Appropriate Practice
• Language-Rich Interactions
• Strong Community and Relationships

We cultivate a learning environment that encourages children to take initiative, make choices, and lead their own learning. Through collaborative play, problem-solving, and reflection, children develop independence, leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with others. Thinking is visible, valued, and celebrated.

Early years at The Willows allows children to explore what it means to be human—how we relate to others, how we care, and how our actions affect the world. Through stories, discussions, and real-life experiences, children develop compassion, social responsibility, and a sense of agency in shaping a kinder, fairer world.

Children are immersed in high-quality texts that spark imagination and deepen understanding. Carefully chosen key texts support thematic learning and emotional literacy. Storytelling, shared reading, and dialogic techniques build vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of language.

We celebrate creativity and cultural expression as central pillars of our curriculum. Children are immersed in the arts, music, storytelling, and diverse cultural experiences that help them understand and appreciate the richness of the community and the world around them. These experiences foster imagination, empathy, and a sense of identity.