Our Curriculum - Birth to Five Matters

 

At Pear Tree Nursery & Preschool, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed around the development of children from 3 months to five years, recognising the rapid growth and change that takes place in these early years. We are guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and informed by the principles of Birth to Five Matters. We provide a responsive, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

 

From 3 months, we focus on building warm, secure relationships that support babies’ emotional wellbeing and early communication. Our youngest children are given time and space to explore through sensory play, movement and interaction, helping them to develop strong attachments to the adults caring for them, curiosity and early physical skills.

 

As our children grow into toddlers, our curriculum supports their increasing independence and desire to explore. We provide rich opportunities for language development, imaginative play, and physical activity, encouraging children to express themselves, build relationships and begin to make sense of the world around them.

 

Once our children are Preschoolers, we build on these foundations by supporting their deeper thinking, problem solving and confidence. Our activities are designed to promote early literacy and mathematical understanding, while continuing to value creativity, exploration and child led learning which encourages curiosity about the world around them. We ensure that our children are well prepared for their transition to school, both academically and most importantly emotionally.  We support them to be independent, whilst developing their self esteem and a strong sense of belonging.

 

Research shows children thrive when they feel safe, with adults supporting them and knowing when to intervene or let them play independently. Birth to 5 Matters helps a child’s key person to build an effective relationship with them and understand their development through observation and play. By acknowledging each child’s home experiences and collaborating with parents, we plan learning that supports growth. Families can share photos, stories, and observations to aid our planning, ensuring children receive care that is unique to them as they gain life skills.

 

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

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The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework sets statutory standards for learning, development, and care for children aged 0-5 in England's early education settings. All providers must follow these rules but have flexibility in how they deliver education and care. Our approach uses the Birth to 5 Matters guidance. These are the main principles of Birth to 5 Matters and what they mean for you and your child.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) comprises seven distinct areas of learning, categorised into prime and specific areas.

The three prime areas of learning are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Communication and Language

• Physical Development

The four specific areas of learning include:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

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Birth to 5 Matters

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​Birth to 5 Matters is founded upon four principles central to the Early Years Foundation Stage:

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1. A Unique Child

Each child demonstrates distinct preferences and traits, progressing academically and developmentally at an individual rate. The Birth to 5 Matters framework emphasises the significance of inclusion and representation, ensuring that children and their families regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or other characteristics are recognised and respected.

 

2.​Positive Relationships

Children benefit most when their experiences are rooted in positive interactions. We ensure that a warm connection is established between each child and their key person and ensure that parents feel confident and secure with the adults responsible for their child's care.

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3.Enabling Environments

Meaningful early experiences lay a strong foundation for future academic and life success. As an educational setting, we provide diverse and stimulating learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, that offer extensive opportunities for growth.

 

4.Learning and Development

Play is essential for optimal learning in early childhood.  Our practitioners will create engaging, play-based activities and support social interaction with both adults and peers. Birth to 5 Matters recommends encouraging autonomy through self-directed play, both indoors and outdoors. Fostering participation, creativity, and critical thinking, along with providing open-ended resources, further enhances learning. 

Children’s developmental areas are closely linked. For example, filling and emptying containers with water promotes math skills through capacity exploration. Playing alongside peers supports social and emotional growth, while talking during play boosts language development. Children from birth to age five benefit most from activities that address all these interconnected areas.

 

​How do we use Birth to 5 Matters to track your child’s progress?

 

Our practitioners will observe and record each child's skills and knowledge, then plan targeted support for their development. Using a cycle of observation, assessment, and planning, our formal assessments track your child’s progress and ensure their developmental milestones are met. We acknowledge varied learning rates and use these assessments to inform a child’s next steps.  All this information will be shared with parents in regular parent teacher meetings and using the Famly App, to keep you involved in your child's progress.

To comply with government regulations, a developmental review is undertaken at two years of age, in conjunction with a health assessment carried out by your Health Visitor.

​If you are interested to know more about Birth to 5 Matters, you can visit and explore the rest of the website https://birthto5matters.org.uk/ where you will find more resources, videos, and podcasts.

 

How do we support a child with SEND at Pear Tree?

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Our curriculum is designed to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities by providing an inclusive, flexible and nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive. We recognise that each child learns in their own way, so we adapt our teaching approaches to meet individual needs through different activities, personalised support with a strong emphasis on communication and understanding.

We work closely with families and external professionals to ensure that each child’s unique strengths and challenges are understood and supported. Our practitioners use a range of strategies including visual aids, structured routines, sensory friendly spaces, and targeted interventions, to help children feel secure, engaged and confident in their learning.  

It is important to us that all our families feel supported, listened to and included in their child’s experience.  We pride ourselves on open and honest communication and make sure we are available whenever families need our help.

Above all, our curriculum promotes independence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging. By celebrating every achievement and removing barriers to learning, we ensure that children with SEND are fully included and empowered to reach their full potential.