Learning in our Nursery is thoughtfully designed to support young children at a crucial stage of development. We focus on helping every child feel secure, confident and curious, knowing that strong relationships, play and communication are the foundations for all future learning.

Our approach recognises that children learn best through exploration, interaction and experience. Learning is carefully supported by skilled adults who guide, model and extend children’s development in ways that feel natural, enjoyable and meaningful.

How children learn in our Nursery

In the Nursery, learning happens through play, talk and shared experiences. Children are given time, space and encouragement to explore ideas, practise skills and develop understanding at their own pace.

Adults support learning by:

• observing children’s interests and development
• enriching play through questions, ideas and language
• modelling communication and social skills
• helping children make sense of new experiences

This responsive approach ensures learning is guided by each child’s needs while gently introducing new ideas and challenges.

A strong focus on communication and language

Developing early language and communication skills is central to our Nursery learning. Children are supported to listen, talk, ask questions and share ideas throughout the day.

Language development is encouraged through:

• meaningful conversations with adults
• stories, songs and rhymes
• imaginative play and storytelling
• naming, describing and explaining experiences

These early skills build strong foundations for later reading, learning and social interaction.

Learning to be with others

Nursery learning supports children’s social and emotional development alongside academic foundations. Through shared play and routines, children learn how to:

• form friendships
• take turns and share
• express feelings in appropriate ways
• develop independence and self‑confidence

Adults provide gentle guidance and support, helping children build positive relationships and begin to understand themselves and others.

Learning through play and exploration

Play is a child’s natural way of learning. Our Nursery learning environment provides rich opportunities for children to explore ideas, solve problems and develop creativity through play.

Through play, children develop:

• early thinking and problem‑solving skills
• physical coordination and control
• curiosity and persistence
• imagination and creativity

Play experiences are carefully supported to help children deepen their learning while remaining joyful and engaging.

Indoor and outdoor learning

Children learn both indoors and outdoors as part of a balanced approach to development. Outdoor learning supports physical development, wellbeing and exploration, while indoor learning encourages focus, creativity and communication.

Access to different environments helps children:

• explore learning in varied ways
• build confidence and resilience
• develop independence and curiosity

Both spaces work together to support children’s overall development.

Supporting every child as an individual

We recognise that children develop at different rates and in different ways. Nursery learning is flexible and responsive, shaped by careful observation and an understanding of each child’s strengths and needs.

Staff work closely with families and, where appropriate, other professionals to ensure children feel supported, included and successful in their learning.

Preparing for the next step

Nursery learning helps children develop the confidence, independence and communication skills needed for future learning. Experiences support children in becoming comfortable with group learning, listening to others and exploring new ideas in a school‑based environment.

For children who move on to Reception at Leatherhead Trinity, this provides continuity and reassurance, helping the transition feel familiar and positive.

Our aim

Our aim is to provide a secure, nurturing learning environment where children feel confident to explore, learn and grow. By focusing on strong relationships, play‑based learning and early communication skills, we give children the foundations they need for lifelong learning.