Our Pioneering Pathway is more than just a curriculum - it’s a journey of discovery and growth. It sets out what we want children to learn during their time with us at nursery, ensuring they develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity to thrive!
The pathway is firmly rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - the statutory framework for children aged 0–5. Each stepping stone along the way is carefully designed to nurture key areas of learning and development, while weaving in our Cooperative Values - because we believe education is not only about knowledge, but also about kindness, respect, and working together.
Every child's journey is unique
We understand that no two children learn in exactly the same way. Each child is an individual, developing at their own pace and in their own time. Some may race ahead in certain areas, while others might need a little extra support to build confidence and skills, and that's ok.
That’s why our Pioneering Pathway is designed to be flexible and responsive. Every step of learning is tailored to meet your child’s individual needs, ensuring they feel supported, challenged, and celebrated throughout their journey. Our goal is simple: to help every child thrive in a way that’s right for them.
The Sequence of Learning
Did you know? Learning to write starts long before holding a pencil!
From the moment your baby is born, they’re already on the journey to becoming a writer! The skills needed for writing don’t appear overnight - they begin with the incredible way children learn to control their bodies.
It all starts at the centre and moves outward, from top to bottom:
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First, babies strengthen their neck muscles to hold up their head.
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Next, they build trunk strength to sit, which leads to the balance needed for crawling and walking.
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As they grow, those big movements become more refined. Children learn to move their arms from the shoulder joint, then develop strength and control in their hands.
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Finally, those tiny finger movements - the fine motor skills - come into play, paving the way for holding a pencil and writing letters.
Every wiggle, stretch, and grasp is a step toward writing success. So, when your child is stacking blocks or playing with playdough, they’re building the foundation for future literacy!
Want to find out more about each stepping stone along the Pioneering Pathway?
Your child's head start
Starting nursery is a big step - and we’re here to make it joyful, gentle, and exciting. Our thoughtful ‘Head Start’ journey helps your child feel safe, supported, and ready to explore. With personalised care, strong parent partnerships, and a dedicated Key Person, we create a nurturing space where your little one can thrive from day one.
Discover how we make settling in special
Healthy bodies, healthy minds
Every child deserves to grow up strong, curious, and confident. That’s why our Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies approach blends fun with learning - from dancing in Boogie Mites to exploring where veggies grow. We make brushing teeth, eating well, and understanding emotions part of the everyday adventure.
Find out how we nurture well-being from the inside out
Socially responsible, safety conscious
Through activities like Mini Medics first aid and visits to care homes, we nurture compassion, responsibility, and awareness. It’s all part of our Co-operative value of Social Responsibility - helping children care for themselves, others, and the planet.
See how we nurture responsibility, safety, and compassion at nursery.
Independent and resilient learners
We believe every child can grow into an independent thinker and resilient learner. We celebrate curiosity, encourage communication, and create space for children to explore, make mistakes, and try again - all through play and meaningful relationships.
Discover how we nurture independence from the very start
Little Cooperators
We celebrate what makes each child unique. Our nurseries are vibrant spaces where diversity is embraced, friendships flourish, and children learn the power of kindness and cooperation. We give every child a voice - helping them feel heard, make choices, and grow in confidence.
Discover how we nurture individuality and empower little voices.