EYFS Curriculum at Little Avanti

 
 

At Little Avanti, we follow the official Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework — the UK standard for early years care and education — while embracing a flexible, child-led approach that reflects our commitment to nature, creativity, and holistic wellbeing. Little Avanti Day Nursery+2Ofsted+2

We believe that every child is unique, and that the best learning happens when children feel safe, supported and free to explore at their own pace. That’s why our version of EYFS blends structured guidance with plenty of freedom to learn, discover and play — indoors and outdoors, among nature, stories and everyday wonder.

Why Learning Through Play Matters

Play is not separate from “real learning” — it is real learning. At Little Avanti we see play as the heart of childhood and the most effective way for young children to develop. Through play children:

  • Explore the world around them and make sense of it — whether that’s through outdoor adventures, imaginative role-play, or creative art and stories.

  • Develop communication and language skills naturally — chatting with peers, listening to stories, experimenting with new words, languages or concepts.

  • Build social skills, empathy and emotional resilience — learning to share, cooperate, negotiate, take turns and understand others.

  • Enhance their physical development — climbing trees, exploring nature, dancing, stretching, moving.

  • Spark creativity, curiosity and a love for learning that can last a lifetime.

This is very much aligned with Little Avanti’s mission: to nurture children physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually — giving them the freedom to enjoy childhood, immersed in nature, while preparing them as joyful and eager learners for life. Little Avanti Day Nursery+1

How EYFS Areas of Learning Work Through Our Day

Our activities and care are designed to support all areas of the EYFS — providing a balanced foundation for children’s development:

Prime Areas — the foundations

  • Communication & Language — through stories, songs, languages (including our language enrichment such as French/Spanish), group play, storytelling and daily conversations.

  • Physical Development — through outdoor play, forest-school activities, movement, dance, yoga, and free exploration in nature.

  • Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSED) — through caring relationships with staff, social play, group activities, mindfulness or yoga, and a nurturing, inclusive environment.

Specific Areas — expanding knowledge and skills

  • Literacy — through stories, drama, music, language sessions, conversation, early vocabulary, rhymes and songs.

  • Mathematics — through patterns, counting, sequences, problem-solving in play contexts, early coding/technology sessions, exploring shapes and nature.

  • Understanding the World — through forest-school nature exploration, outdoor learning, technology/IT sessions, cultural and language exposure.

  • Expressive Arts & Design — through music, movement, dance, art, storytelling, role-play and creative free play — all inspired by nature and childhood wonder.

Guided by Gentle & Flexible Pedagogy

Although we work within the EYFS framework, Little Avanti does not strictly adhere to a single rigid pedagogical style. Instead, we combine the structure and goals of EYFS with a flexible, child-centred, nature-inspired educational philosophy — giving children the freedom and space to explore, imagine and grow. Little Avanti Day Nursery+1

Our educators observe each child’s interests, pace and individual development, using this insight to plan meaningful, engaging experiences — rather than relying on rigid schedules or checklists. This helps children stay motivated, curious and happy, while developing holistically in a way that honours their uniqueness.

Preparing for School and Beyond — With Childhood Intact

By grounding early learning in play, nature and holistic development, we ensure children are not just ready academically for school — but socially, emotionally, physically and creatively too. They leave Little Avanti as confident, curious, emotionally aware young learners with a strong foundation and a lifelong love for exploring and understanding their world.