Nursery early learning opportunities statement

At The University of Dundee Nursery Ltd we recognise that children learn in different ways and at different rates and plan for this accordingly. Our aim is to support all children attending the nursery to attain their maximum potential within their individual capabilities.

We provide a positive play environment for every child, so they may develop good social skills and an appreciation of all aspects of this country's multi-cultural society. We plan learning experiences to ensure, as far as practical, there is equality of opportunity for all children and a celebration of diversity.

We maintain a personalised record of every child's development (called a Learning Journal) showing their abilities, progress, interests, and areas needing further staff or parental assistance.

For children whose home language is not English, we will encourage parents to use the key words at nursery and support their language development at home. Nursery will provide opportunities for the children to develop their language by implementing a personalised book to the child’s needs. Photo of room, staff present in room and some of the activities, daily routine. We ensure that planning covers the breadth of the 7 areas of learning in the development matters and that they provide interesting and challenging experiences that meet all the children’s needs.

We implement the Curriculum for Excellence, Pre-Birth to 3, GIRFEC, Out to Play, realising the ambition, being me, UNCRC as well as other frameworks set by Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate that sets standards to ensure all children learn and develop well. We support and enhance children’s learning and development holistically through play-based activities. We view all aspects of learning and development and ensure a flexible approach is maintained, which responds quickly to children’s learning and developmental needs. We develop tailor-made activities based on observations which inform future planning and draw on children’s needs and interests. This is promoted through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated opportunities both indoors and outdoors. We value child-led play and ensure we promote this through providing activities that are flexible, take account of ages, development needs and interests. We know that activities provided by staff will allow children to enjoy organised and free play including quiet times.

We acknowledge parents as primary educators and encourage parental involvement as outlined in our Parents and Carers as Partners policy. We build strong home links to enhance and extend children’s learning both within the nursery environment and in the child’s home. 

We share information about Curriculum for Excellence with parents and signpost them to further support via the Education Scotland website.

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