Our Approach
At Cherubs Nurseries, we have developed our own blended approach to early years, building on long-trusted teaching methods, the latest research, our own experience as an established day nursery and childcare provider and the voices of our people and the families of the children we care for. When developing our approach and curriculum, we have taken advice from experts and built a hugely experienced education team in-house who have led the development and successful implementation of our learning approach and curriculum.
Our blended approach brings together four main schools of thought: Montessori, Hygge, Reggio and Forest School. These influence all areas of our childcare services, including the environment, the structure of the nursery day and how our Educators provide purposeful learning and development for the children. This approach is underpinned by the embedded belief that each child is individual and unique and should be treated as such. By placing the children at the centre of everything we do, our expertly trained and knowledgeable Educators carefully follow the interests of each child and encourage them to lead their own play, inspired by the world around them. When appropriate, our Educators will scaffold around play to create structure and extend learning. This ensures the highest quality of early years practice and provision and successful outcomes for all children.
Montessori
The Montessori approach is holistic and aims to develop the whole child. Fundamental to the approach is the belief that a child’s early years, from birth to six, are the period when they have the greatest capacity to learn.
Following Montessori thinking, our design-led environments are furnished using sustainably sourced, eco-friendly nursery furniture and thoughtfully selected resources and equipment. These safe and accessible spaces enable each child to direct their own learning and play, keeping their imaginations sparked and curiosity flowing.
Building on this, our Educators weave in opportunities for the children to develop essential life skills and independence through hygiene stations, accessible drink tables and self-service at mealtimes.
Hygge
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is the Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special.
When curating our environments, we place emphasis on making the spaces as warm and cosy as possible. We carefully combine items from home with practical elements that make our nurseries welcoming whilst gently comforting the children to make them feel safe and secure whenever they’re with us.
Doing this creates a strong and supportive foundation to enable children to be curious and explore, learning about the world around them.
Reggio
The Reggio Emilia approach views young children as individuals who are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them.
The Reggio learning approach employs strategies that expose children to various educational opportunities that encourage self-expression, communication, logical thinking and problem-solving. Children are influenced by everything around them, and the environment acts as a third teacher.
The learning process is of much higher importance than the final product, and teachers create in-depth projects based on information from parents and observation as well as the interests of children.
Forest School
Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning approach that offers opportunities for holistic growth. Taking place in a woodland or natural environment, it is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and risk-taking and supports the development of a life-long relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Forest School also develops confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences. At Cherubs Nurseries, we have our very own qualified Forest School Teacher who supports and coaches all nurseries to provide weekly “Explorer” sessions for children based on the principles of Forest School.
Our blended approach is central to the training and development of our people too. Our Educators attend a wide range but carefully selected schedule of formal training, workshops, and coaching sessions to enable them to successfully align their practice with our approach. Our CPD also ensures they are compliant with Ofsted regulations and Cherubs Nurseries standards and guidelines. These sessions take place at the Cherubs Nurseries Training Academy, virtually and on a more local basis, at monthly staff meetings. Interested in joining our dedicated team of early years professionals and experience our blended approach for yourself? View our vacancies page for more information.
Our Curriculum
When it comes to our curriculum, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Development Matters to ensure our Educators build a strong foundation for each child. Their journey is recorded virtually and tracked via Blossom Educational Software. This can be accessed by the Educators and parents, who work in partnership to upload observations, photographs and videos to support children’s interests and next steps and to achieve our curriculum outcomes.
Nursery Curriculum Intent
- Children reach their full potential.
- Children can express their feelings and show care, empathy, kindness and respect.
- Children are confident communicators.
- Children have good physical independence and knowledge of aspects that create a healthy lifestyle.
- Children are mathematical thinkers.
- Children have a love for reading.
- Children develop a good understanding of cultural diversity.
Find out more
Community life
Giving back is something that we’re passionate about at Cherubs Nurseries. Discover more about our fundraising, voluntary work and our ethical responsibilities.
Our awards
We are proud of our success at both a local and national level. Find out how we have been recognised for our achievements.
Get in touch
Find the location of all of our nurseries and our central support centre. Send a message to one of our team.
