Nursery Curriculum and Activities

We believe that children learn best through play-based experiences that are centred around their interests - our learning experiences are tailored to meet the needs of each child, and we make sure that there is plenty of time for imaginative play, problem-solving, and creativity.

The children’s experiences are planned in consultation with them and their parents, building on advice from Scottish Government national guidelines: ‘Curriculum for Excellence 3-18’ and ‘Realising the Ambition’.

We support individual interests from a young age by listening to our children to find out what they want to learn. This allows us to create our learning experiences around them. Children have time to be engrossed and complete activities without having an overly timetabled curriculum.

The curriculum inspires curiosity and creates a love for learning, particularly through STEM education. Children explore coding with robots and interactive games, developing critical skills in problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity. Through partnerships like the Maths in Motion project with the National Galleries of Scotland, we challenge stereotypes, encourage independent thinking, and inspire children to engage in real-world learning experiences.

Emotional well-being is at the heart of our approach. Tools such as The Colour Monster story, mindfulness activities, yoga, and role play help children develop emotional intelligence. Practical techniques like calming "dandelion breaths" teach valuable strategies for self-regulation, resilience, and confidence.

Children enjoy sessions with our specialist staff, all included as part of the nursery fees. This is a special advantage of being part of our nursery, as it provides access for nursery children to junior teaching and coaching that they would not experience in a stand-alone setting. It also provides familiar faces when the children transition into Primary 1.

What specialist sessions are included for nursery children?

• Physical Education (PE): Weekly visits from PE staff focus on basic movement, object-control, and balancing. Children practise running, jumping, skipping, climbing, balancing, throwing, and catching in varied contexts.

• Rugbytots: Weekly play-based sports sessions improve agility, ball skills, and coordination, led by a specialist coach. This encourages teamwork and a love of being active.
• Ballet Lessons: In partnership with the Manor School of Ballet, children enjoy weekly ballet lessons that nurture movement and dance through engaging early years themes.
• Music and Dance: Sessions in the Junior School Hall are led by specialist teachers, allowing children to express musical ideas and feelings.
• Junior School Music Teacher: Weekly music lessons develop children’s confidence and musical abilities under the guidance of our dedicated Junior School music teacher.

• Library Visits: Weekly visits to the Junior School library, led by our school librarians, promote group storytelling and songs, enhancing language development and a love for libraries.

What afternoon activities do we run for nursery children?

Early Years Practitioners and teachers develop activities based on the shared interests of the children and staff. Current offerings include:

• Art
• Cookery
• Gardening
• Science
• Drama

Are there opportunities for community engagement?

• We have a treasured link with Murrayfield House Care Home where children visit elderly residents throughout the nursery year, fostering intergenerational connections.