At Little Starlings we follow development matters through in the moment planning in a free flow learning environment with elements of the curiosity approach.
Our practitioners take an open-ended approach to learning.
Adult:Child ratios are usually kept higher than legal requirements so that our Key Workers can really get to know their children and be able to provide them with the best education, time, support and guidance that they need.
Intent
What do we want the children to learn?
What area of development will this encourage?
What is the next step for this child?
Are we providing a variety of activities for a range of interests, abilities and developmental areas?
Our intent is for children to extend their learning by exploring their environment freely and taking opportunities to build on their independence and confidence. We want all children in our care to feel safe, secure and loved through consistency, structure and routine. Our aim is to ensure that every child leaves Little Starlings feeling excited and ready for the next step in their education.
Implementation
How are we going to achieve desired outcomes?
How can activities be extended?
What language can we use?
What interests can be used to encourage children to participate?
How can we adapt to make everything accessible for all ages and stages of development?
Is this inclusive for all children?
At Little Starlings, we have personalised our curriculum combining the best elements from The Curiosity Approach, In the Moment Planning, Hygge and Development Matters to guide us in providing an environment which best encourages children’s development.
Our practitioners are knowledgeable, experienced, professional, positive and passionate about building bonds with their key children and families.
Our partnership with Meare Village Primary School is crucial to our operation and provides further learning opportunities for the children as well as continued professional development for our team.
Impact
What are we expecting to see?
What was the outcome?
Should this be revisited?
Was every opportunity taken?
How can we improve?
The resulting outcome from our curriculum is that children make a smooth transition into school. They leave our setting as independent, well-rounded and confident individuals.
We take time as a team to evaluate our practice and reflect by conducting peer on peer observations, holding regular team meetings and offering continuous professional development opportunities.
We monitor impact through 2 year checks, observations of children, developmental journals and feedback from parents and families and adjust when needed and/or where necessary.
Exploring Curiosity!
Enhancing Early Development with the Curiosity Approach and Development Matters
The Curiosity Approach offers a transformative framework for learning and growth, emphasising the self-learning value of curiosity, exploration, and discovery. By embracing this approach, educators, organisations, and individuals can unlock the boundless potential of curiosity as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and lifelong learning.
Development Matters is a helpful guide for children's growth from birth to age five. It focuses on personalised learning, fun play, and working together with parents. Educators use it to plan activities, and parents get tips for helping at home. It's all about making sure kids have what they need to do well in their early years and beyond.
Little Starlings is a nursery in Meare, Somerset established in 2020 to provide fun and professional care for your children, With a Good Food Hygiene rating we are ever growing and gaining more and more starlings to join our murmuration!
Contact us below for all enquiries
