Hamilton College's Nursery follows the Curriculum for Excellence (Early Level)
The Curriculum for Excellence consists of eight areas:
Over the course of the academic session all curricular areas are covered. Staff consult with the children about their interests and existing knowledge, and skilfully use this information to deliver learning experiences that are child-centred, challenging and progressive. The outcomes that are focussed on for each mind map are displayed on the “Learning Wall” which is located in the foyer area of the Nursery.
Free flow play enabled the children to make informed choices of where, who and what to play with. This improvement supported children as they developed their social and physical skills, confidence, self-esteem and creativity while having fun in accessing a balance of organised and freely chosen learning experiences. Additional activities and experiences were provided by specialist teachers and resources based within the school. This extended children’s learning opportunities and linked in with the transition programme for those children who were moving on from nursery to school.
Children are immersed in play-based learning, moving freely between rooms. This encourages children to explore, develop interests and become independent, competent learners. We come together for welcome time in the morning to discuss what we are going to learn about each day, this promotes the children to have intention behind their learning.
Outdoor play is integral to our approach to learning and development and takes place every day in our large, enclosed garden area. This purpose built, outdoor learning space is equipped with a mud kitchen, large sandpit, curriculum cabin, bug hotel, bikes and scooters. The outdoor area is also resourced with natural materials such as wooden decking, crates and tyres. Children are encouraged to think creatively, develop their problem solving skills and improve their ability to assess risk in the environment.
The Nursery operates an open door policy and we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with parents and carers. Parents and carers will be invited to participate in a range of events including stay and play sessions, parent consultations and ongoing evaluations of service delivery.
Staff provide informal updates on your child’s learning and development on a daily basis. More formal parent-staff consultations are held twice a year (October and March) Additional consultations can be arranged if necessary.
We will keep you informed through: