As part of our Nursery Improvement Plan for this year, we are focusing on:

– Enhancing our use of digital literacy and learning across the curriculum.

– Improving our core provision with a focus on outdoor learning and development of the whole curriculum.

– Using the Up, Up, and Away framework to improve our learning environments and support the development of all learners.

Our staff have been attending professional development and staff meetings to deepen their knowledge on these areas and how to plan effectively for them. Below is a key update on some of the things we have been doing at St. Bride’s Nursery.

Digital Literacy

Out staff team have been engaging more with the new early years Digital Learning planners to ensure children receive a broad range of experiences in using technology within their learning. Digital Charters have been created in both of our nurseries, which outline the best ways we use technology in learning and ensure that children are developing their knowledge of online safety. We have worked closely with our Parent and Carers Council to invest in new early years devices to help teach coding and programming skills to the children. Additionally, we are excited to share that the Co- op has granted us £250, which will be used to further invest in digital technology for our nursery in the future. Keep an eye on Seesaw for regular updates on how your child is learning and preparing for their digital future!

Core provision, outdoor learning and developing the curriculum

We have developed our own planning guidance and are keeping parents informed through the weekly noticeboard, highlighting three key areas of learning/ activities / events each week. We are working closely with our Lead Development Officers and Nursery Area PT to ensure our planning aligns with Fife Council’s guidelines. Our Nursery Teacher has conducted audits of our core provision to assess how we meet children’s needs across the curriculum and how we can plan for continuous improvement. Additionally, we are promoting free-flow access to the outdoors, enabling children to lead their own learning and make more choices. Our staff work tirelessly to improve and maintain our outdoor areas.

Up, Up and Away Framework

Up Up and Away is a document we have been working closely with over the past two terms. We have been using the Literacy Rich Environment Audits to ensure high quality literacy experiences throughout our nursery, indoors and outdoors. In September we discussed the importance of regular trips to the library and exploring books in different environments. Within this term, we planned for more trips to the local library which the children really enjoyed. The next audit we did highlighted the need for more opportunities for mark making within the nursery and our outdoor space. We have provided a range of resources and materials for the children to explore freely and create marks in a way that is meaningful to them and their stage of development. As a team we have worked hard to identify individual children who may need some support with their literacy development. These plans have highlighted specific strategies we will use as a team to have a consistent approach.