Our Doves Curriculum
Doves – Where Little Learners Begin to Soar
Our Doves room provides a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment for our youngest children, from 9 months to 2 years old. We understand that every child develops at their own pace, and our curriculum is carefully designed to provide rich experiences that build secure relationships, confidence, curiosity and a love of learning from the very beginning.
Our curriculum is rooted in the Prime Areas of Learning: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development. Through responsive interactions, play, exploration and carefully planned experiences, children are supported to develop the skills they need to become confident, independent and happy learners.
We recognise the importance of children's individual interests and experiences. Our curriculum therefore provides a flexible framework which is enriched by children's fascinations, local events, celebrations and the world around them. Our themes include Good to be Me!, A World of Colour, Amazing Animals, In the Garden, On the Move and Under the Sea, providing meaningful opportunities for children to explore and make connections with their environment.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development is at the heart of our provision. Children develop trusting relationships with familiar adults, build confidence to explore, begin to recognise and express their feelings, develop awareness of others and take their first steps towards independence. We provide opportunities for children to make choices, develop early turn-taking and cooperation, and celebrate their achievements.
Communication and Language is woven throughout every part of the Doves day. Through songs, rhymes, stories, puppets, conversations, sensory experiences and everyday routines, children develop their understanding and use of language. We use Makaton and baby signing alongside spoken language where appropriate, supporting children to communicate their needs, ideas and interests and develop their vocabulary.
Physical Development is supported through both indoor and outdoor experiences. Children have opportunities to develop their gross motor skills through climbing, balancing, walking, running and ball play, alongside fine motor experiences such as sensory play, mark making, manipulating playdough and using tools. We also encourage developing independence through self-feeding, hand washing and beginning to manage coats, shoes and other aspects of self-care.
We carefully observe children's development and use what we see to identify their next steps. Our adults know the children well and adapt interactions, experiences and provision to meet individual needs. We value the partnership between children, parents and practitioners, ensuring that children's experiences from home are reflected in their learning and development within Doves.
Above all, Doves is a place where children feel safe, secure, valued and loved. We want every child to develop a strong sense of belonging, confidence to explore and the foundations for becoming an enthusiastic lifelong learner.
