Understanding our Curriculum and Impact Pedagogy

💡 What Is Impact Pedagogy?
Our Impact Pedagogy is a unique, research-informed approach to early learning that puts your child at the heart of everything we do. Developed by our Learning Coordinator, Effie, this model blends curiosity-led learning, strong emotional support and purposeful teaching to help every child thrive.

It’s called “Impact” because we’re focused on what really matters, the difference we make in your child’s development socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively.

🌱 Six Core Principles That Shape Our Approach
We use six key elements to guide our curriculum and daily practice:

1. Individualised Learning – We tailor experiences to your child’s interests, needs and stage of development.
2. Meaningful Relationships – Strong attachments with staff help children feel secure and confident.
3. Progressive Development – We support your child to know more, do more and remember more over time.
4. Adaptive Approaches – Educators plan in the moment, responding to children’s ideas and curiosity.
5. Celebration of Diversity – We respect and embrace every child’s background and individuality.
6. Thrive Holistically – We support the whole child emotionally, physically, and socially.

🏡 What Does This Look Like in Practice?
We draw inspiration from leading education philosophers, such as:

• Montessori – independence and respect
• Reggio Emilia – creativity and the environment as a teacher
• Bowlby – emotional security and strong attachments
• Vygotsky and Piaget – learning through exploration and challenge

🛝 How We Support Learning
Our curriculum balances:

• Adult-led teaching to introduce new ideas, skills and vocabulary
• Child-initiated play where children explore their interests freely
• Reflective practice to adjust our plans based on your child’s progress

Children learn best when they feel seen, safe and supported. That’s why we place great importance on:

• Enabling environments (e.g. calm, child-accessible spaces)
• Open-ended resources (e.g. loose parts, sensory trays)
• Opportunities to be curious, creative and confident

🔄 Planning, Progress and Assessment
We use a cycle of observation, assessment and planning to support each child’s development:

1. Getting to Know Your Child – through settling-in visits and initial assessments
2. Ongoing Observation – we watch, listen and respond to your child’s play and progress
3. Impact Planning – we create next steps and tailor activities based on your child’s needs
4. Celebrating Progress – we share learning journeys and observations with you
5. Working Together – we value strong partnerships with families and welcome your input

We also use Leuven Scales to ensure your child feels emotionally well and deeply engaged in their play—two things that are vital for effective learning.

🎨 More Ways We Enrich Learning

• Enquiry-Based Learning – We spark curiosity with thought-provoking questions, hands-on experiences and child-led exploration.
• Loose Parts Play – Children use everyday and natural materials to build, imagine and problem-solve.
• Sustained Shared Thinking – Educators engage in meaningful conversations that extend ideas and deepen understanding.
• Disco Dough & Numicon – Fun and practical activities that support fine motor skills, early maths and self-expression.

🌍 Inclusion, Diversity and Respect
Every child matters. We follow a graduated approach to support any child with additional needs and work closely with you, external professionals and our in-house SENDCo to ensure they feel confident and included.
We also embed:

• Cultural Capital – helping children explore their world and their identity
• British Values – including respect, fairness and decision-making through play and routines

⏰ Routines, Transitions and School Readiness
Routines provide calm, confidence and structure. As your child moves through our setting, routines gently evolve to support growing independence.
When it’s time to move on—whether to a new room or on to school—we guide each transition carefully, ensuring your child feels secure, celebrated and ready for their next step.

🤝 In Partnership With You
We believe parents are a child’s first and most important educators. That’s why we value your voice, your knowledge, and your insight. Together, we can make sure your child’s time with us is joyful, meaningful and full of growth.

---