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Our curriculum

Leap, the Little Leaps mascot
Leap says hello!Let’s learn and grow together

Every child grows
in their own way.

Our Early Development Plan turns the EYFS into warm, playful experiences shaped around each child’s interests, relationships and next steps.

Explore the five focus areas Talk to Our Team
Leap, the Little Leaps mascot, introducing the Early Development Plan

Child-centred and play-based

A thoughtful framework for meaningful everyday learning

The Early Development Plan supports children from birth to five and is aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage. It brings the EYFS principles and seven areas of learning into a structure that is clear for practitioners and meaningful for families.

Rather than moving every child through the same activities, we use warm relationships, observation and purposeful play to decide what will help each individual child feel secure, stay curious and keep progressing.

A Unique ChildPositive RelationshipsEnabling EnvironmentsLearning & Development

Five connected focus areas

Whole-child development, made easier to understand

Each focus area connects to the EYFS and describes what we want children to experience, how we support it and the difference it can make.

01
Personal development

Me

PSED · Physical Development

Our intention

To help every child build a secure sense of self, growing confidence, independence and emotional awareness.

What this looks like
  • A key-person approach that supports secure attachments
  • Everyday routines that encourage self-care and choice
  • Identity activities using families, mirrors and ‘All About Me’ ideas
  • Stories and play that help children name and understand feelings
The difference it supports

Children feel safe, valued and ready to explore. They begin to manage emotions and take increasing responsibility for themselves.

02
Relationships and community

Us

PSED · Understanding the World

Our intention

To build positive relationships, respect for others and a genuine sense of belonging within the setting and wider community.

What this looks like
  • Group experiences that develop sharing and turn-taking
  • Celebrating cultures, traditions and family backgrounds
  • Role-play and collaborative play with other children
  • Practitioners modelling respectful language and behaviour
The difference it supports

Children form warm relationships, develop empathy and learn to appreciate both the similarities and differences between people.

03
Thinking and problem-solving

Challenge

Mathematics · Understanding the World

Our intention

To develop curiosity, resilience and problem-solving through experiences that are engaging, open-ended and appropriately challenging.

What this looks like
  • Blocks, puzzles and loose parts with more than one solution
  • Thoughtful questions such as ‘What might happen if…?’
  • Time and encouragement for trial, error and persistence
  • Outdoor exploration, investigation and practical discovery
The difference it supports

Children become active learners who test ideas, think critically and keep going when something does not work the first time.

04
Creativity and expression

Imagination

Expressive Arts & Design · Literacy · Mathematics

Our intention

To nurture creativity, imagination and self-expression through varied materials, movement, music, stories and play.

What this looks like
  • Open access to paint, music and role-play resources
  • Storytelling, singing, dancing and movement
  • Space for children to lead their own imaginary worlds
  • Exploring different textures, sounds and materials
The difference it supports

Children express their ideas and emotions with confidence, using creativity to make sense of their experiences and the world around them.

05
Language and early literacy

Communication

Communication & Language · Literacy

Our intention

To strengthen speaking, listening, understanding and the foundations for reading and writing.

What this looks like
  • A language-rich environment filled with songs, rhymes and stories
  • Warm, attentive conversations between adults and children
  • Daily story experiences and inviting access to books
  • Mark-making and early writing woven naturally into play
The difference it supports

Children develop strong communication skills, enjoyment of stories and the confidence to share what they think, need and imagine.

Assessment and monitoring

From everyday moments to meaningful next steps

Assessment should support children—not interrupt childhood. We gather useful insight through play, conversation and close relationships.

1

Observe

Practitioners notice children’s interests, choices, relationships and developing skills during everyday play.

2

Understand

Observations help the team understand what each child can do now and where gentle support may help next.

3

Plan

Experiences, environments and interactions are adapted around the child—not delivered as a one-size-fits-all programme.

4

Share

Regular conversations and learning updates keep families involved and help nursery and home work together.

Inclusion and adaptation

Every child belongs in the plan

Activities, interactions and environments are adapted to reflect individual development, additional needs, communication and family circumstances. We work with parents, carers and relevant professionals so children with SEND receive thoughtful, joined-up support.

  • Individual needs considered in planning
  • Support adapted without limiting opportunity
  • Parents and carers treated as essential partners
  • Diversity celebrated throughout nursery life

Questions are always welcome

See our curriculum come to life

Visit Little Leaps, meet the team and ask how our Early Development Plan would support your child’s interests, confidence and next steps.

Book a Visit 0800 772 3817