Early Years at Unity

Our Early Years curriculum is the ‘top-level plan’ of all the things we want children to experience, know and be able to do during their time in the Early Years at Unity.  Our curriculum sets out what we teach when, and what children will learn.

A curriculum for communication and language is our top priority. This is because it is foundational to all other learning. It is especially important when we consider the long-term impact of the pandemic. For this reason, we have ensured that we always have at least one member of staff in Early Years who is ELKLAN trained, and at least five members of staff who are trained to carry out Wellcomm assessments.

To ensure that communication and language is at the forefront of all that we do, we have prioritised the following key non-negotiables.

Importance of High-Quality Interactions

Our early years staff are dedicated to engaging in meaningful and high-quality interactions with children. This involves not only talking to children but also actively listening and responding to their attempts at communication, thus fostering a rich dialogue environment.

Creating a Language-Rich Environment

Our early years staff understand the importance of creating a setting where children are surrounded by a variety of language experiences. This includes storytelling, singing, and exposure to new vocabulary in context, which supports children’s language acquisition.

Structured Curriculum Integration

Communication and language goals are integrated throughout the entire curriculum. This approach ensures that language development is not treated as an isolated activity but as a core part of all learning experiences.

Support for Children with Less Prior Knowledge

Our early years staff understand the need for tailored support for children who may start with less prior knowledge or who come from less language-rich backgrounds. Staff are clear about the use of differentiated instruction and targeted interventions to help these children catch up with their peers.

Progress through Understanding and Remembering More

Our early years staff are passionate about helping children not only understand but also retain and recall what they have learned. Staff plan regular reviews and practice to reinforce new language skills.

Closing the Gap

We have chosen twenty-four essential books that we have committed to children becoming familiar with before they leave Nursery. These books are known for their engaging stories, vibrant illustrations, and simple language that help toddlers and young children develop a love for reading and improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

We have also selected twenty-four essential nursery rhymes that we have committed to children learning before they leave Nursery. These rhymes have been selected for their simplicity, repetitive structure, and engaging melodies, which help in language development and memory retention. These nursery rhymes are not only fun but also help children develop phonemic awareness, rhythm, and coordination.

By following these core principles, we are committed to ensuring that our children leave our Early Years with the best opportunities to close any knowledge gaps and are well-prepared to transition into Year 1.