Children learn through play and by accessing a full and varied programme, which is appropriate to both age and ability. We offer different experiences, resources, and activities to stimulate the children’s learning and imagination. We follow the children’s interests and plan ‘in the moment’ as they play.

As an Ofsted registered childcare provider, we are required to deliver an educational curriculum that meets the government standard of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). This ensures each child experiences and learns to understand things, for example, number, letter, social skills and aims towards specific learning goals ahead of school. We cover the 7 areas of learning through our curriculum daily.

The nursery space is carefully planned to provide children with a range of play and learning choices. Our team ensures children are challenged throughout the day – this may be our babies crawling to meet new friends, counting steps, simple phrases developing vocabulary or becoming a doctor in role play. Each day is different at nursery and children are encouraged to constantly try new things and reach for their next step.

We feel very strongly that children should respect one another, understand differences and similarities in each other. We encourage children to express their feelings positively, begin to understand the opinions and needs of others through discussion with their peers and by the examples set by our highly qualified practitioners.

The world is full of questions and interests. Our nursery is designed to encourage this with lots of activities to stimulate inquisitive little minds and our caring practitioners are on hand to help them find the answers.

We have worked very hard to create environments both in and outdoors that provide children with the opportunities to safely explore and investigate. Inquisitive minds will learn how things work, grow, and evolve.

Forest School

Here at Bridgwater & Taunton College Childcare Centre we are passionate about children learning outside, as the saying goes ‘there is no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothes’.
We are fortunate that we have a dedicated forest school area and qualified forest school leaders. You may not be aware, but Forest School was introduced to the UK in 1993 by a group of Early Years Practitioners from our very own Bridgwater and Taunton College. They visited a Danish Forest School and were so impressed with the ethos and approach that they were keen to develop their own programme.

Today children are given opportunities to develop their social and communication skills and their physical skills using real tools all in a safe and calm environment. Being outside is known to be the perfect environment for children, it helps to stimulate their senses and is good for their wellbeing, self-esteem and confidence as they are encouraged to have a go. Forest School is a key approach to learning which underpins our ethos and is incorporated into our daily planning.

Promoting British Values

At Bridgwater and Taunton College Childcare Centre ‘British Values’ are incorporated, encouraged and demonstrated throughout the children’s learning and play.

• Democracy
• Mutual Respect and tolerance for others
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty

Democracy is about everyone being treated equally and having equal rights. We encourage this in our children through sharing and group decision making.

Mutual respect and tolerance for others is about teaching our children to understand and appreciate each other’s differences. It is about being a part of a community where everyone is treated equally, forming relationships, and embracing all differences without discrimination.

The rule of law is about ensuring children in our setting understand that rules are important and teach them right from wrong. We learn about boundaries and consequences, and are supported to understand their feelings and behaviour.

Individual liberty is about teaching our children to understand and value their own self and build their confidence in making choices. Self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-awareness are important, and we teach this within the EYFS framework.

It is important that all children recognise and feel secure, valued, and cared for members of our society.