The Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School Curriculum is built on the belief that early childhood education should be an adventure — filled with exploration, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world. Our carefully designed curriculum blends structured learning with curiosity-led discovery, helping children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Through a balance of indoor and outdoor experiences, hands-on activities, and guided play, we provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Learning Through Play and Curiosity:
We believe play is the foundation of learning, we encourage child-led play. Children’s interests and fascinations are used as a starting point for learning providing opportunities for problem-solving, teamwork, and self-expression.
Outdoor & Nature-Based Exploration
Time spent in nature fosters resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of environmental responsibility.
Child-Led Discovery
Teachers act as facilitators, guiding and supporting children as they explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills.
Promoting Independence
Children are supported to become independent by:
Making choices about their play and learning, accessing resources independently, managing self-care routines such as dressing, snack time and tidying away.
Communication and Language
Communication underpins all areas of learning. We support this by:
- Engaging children in meaningful conversations throughout the day.
- Modelling rich, clear and varied language.
- Using stories, songs, rhymes and role play
- Giving children time to listen, think and respond
- Supporting children with speech, language and EAL needs
Open-Ended Questions and Resources
Adults use open-ended questions to extend thinking, such as:
- “I wonder what might happen if…?” “How could we find out?”
- Resources are open-ended, natural and real-life, allowing children to use them in multiple ways and follow their own ideas.
Inclusive Practice
Our curriculum is inclusive and accessible for all children. We ensure:
Individual needs are identified and supported
Adjustments are made to environments, routines and expectations
Children with SEND and EAL are supported
Diversity is reflected positively in resources and experiences
All children feel a sense of belonging
At Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School, we celebrate each child’s natural curiosity and unique abilities, ensuring they develop the confidence and skills needed for a bright future.
Find out more about our outdoor adventures