Since September 2021 we have seen the implementation of the new statutory framework for early years provision. This was the biggest overhaul of the early years framework since 2012 after much consultation across the early years sector, ensuring the sector felt listened to throughout the process.
In the Autumn of 2022 Ian, our Nursery Manager, visited YMCA Black Country for the launch of their new setting and YMCA Early Years Curriculum “creating positive outcomes”. This was a great opportunity to gain insight into another YMCA and how they operate multiple early years settings across different social areas and local authorities.
Following the visit, we were able to work in partnership and implement the curriculum in our own setting. Our curriculum is underpinned by our six pillars of learning Body, Mind, Spirit, Belong, Contribute and Thrive which is precisely why we chose to adopt this curriculum; it echoed the values of our YMCA family.
Our new curriculum sets us apart from other local nurseries as our children are nurtured the YMCA way, which enables them to thrive. We see this especially in our summer term when we support children transitioning to primary school. The curriculum ensures practitioners know their key children and how best to provide them with resources and an environment that equips them through social development ready for moving on to ‘big school’.
Within our curriculum, there are 6 focus areas including “My Community”. We saw this fully lived out with our first-ever picnic in the park with many of our nursery families having a wonderful day.
“The event was well organised , my son loved the event we spent time playing hook the duck and football shoot out he found hilarious trying to shoot the ball in the goal . The staff at the nursery are just as hard working and a credit to the YMCA in the nursery as they are to the public, all such lovely friendly workers . The music was really good and my son loved joining in with the story time as well as getting to use a real fireman’s hose to shoot the tree he had the best day . The picnic event was a real success Thank you for pulling it out of the bag.”
Implementing our new curriculum is the best thing we could have done for our staff, children and families. We are looking forward to continue seeing the positive impact it has!