Little Monkeys at The Old Cottage

Our learning

Ethos, values and curriculum

Everything we do is built around our MONKEYS values and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children learn through play, with lots of time to talk, explore and feel confident in who they are.

Our ethos and values

What MONKEYS stands for

  1. MemoriesWe aim to help our children make happy memories.
  2. OpennessWe strive for open communication between staff, children and parents/carers.
  3. NurturingWe are invested in nurturing the next generation.
  4. KindnessWe encourage children and staff to show kindness to all.
  5. EmotionsWe aim to support and understand the emotional needs of all.
  6. Young mindsShaping young minds to thrive and expand.
  7. Safe spaceWe provide a safe environment to explore and grow.

Nursery curriculum · EYFS aligned

How children learn with us

The EYFS has six areas of learning. Here's what each one looks like day to day at Little Monkeys, with an idea to try at home.

1

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Focus: Self-confidence, emotional wellbeing and independence

  • Circle time: Daily check-ins where children share their feelings using visuals, like happy and sad cards.
  • Independence tasks: Choosing activities, self-registration and tidying up.
  • Confidence building: Show and tell, role play and small group games.
  • Emotional literacy: Storybooks about feelings, such as The Colour Monster, and talking about how the characters feel.
  • Positive relationships: Pair and group activities that encourage turn-taking and sharing.
Try at home: Feelings faces sheet →

2

Communication and Language

Focus: Expressing needs, listening and building vocabulary

  • Daily story time: Chances to talk about the story and predict how it ends.
  • Singing and rhyme sessions: To build confidence in speaking and joining in.
  • Talking partners: Children are paired up to share ideas, feelings and experiences.
  • Circle discussions: "What makes you feel happy?" or "What helps you when you are sad?"
Try at home: Nursery rhymes to sing →

3

Physical Development

Focus: Wellbeing, confidence in movement and independence

  • Outdoor play: Climbing, balancing and ball games for resilience and confidence.
  • Fine motor activities: Puzzles, threading, drawing and mark-making.
  • Self-care routines: Washing hands, dressing skills and managing snack times independently.
  • Mindful movement: Yoga and breathing games to help children manage big feelings.
Try at home: Animal movement cards →

4

Literacy and Mathematics, through play

Focus: School readiness, curiosity and problem-solving

  • Mark-making stations: Encouraging children to draw and write their names and their feelings.
  • Story props and puppets: Building confidence in retelling stories.
  • Counting games: Songs, sorting and number hunts.
  • Maths in daily life: Counting plates at snack time and measuring in sand and water play.
Try at home: Numbers and letters games →

5

Understanding the World

Focus: A sense of belonging, curiosity and community

  • All About Me: Sharing family photos and talking about home life.
  • Celebrations: Learning about festivals, birthdays and special traditions.
  • Nature walks: Watching the seasons change, collecting natural objects and talking about how nature makes us feel.
Try at home: Nature spotting sheet →

6

Expressive Arts and Design

Focus: Self-expression and confidence through creativity

  • Art projects: Painting feelings and creating self-portraits.
  • Music and movement: Exploring instruments and dancing freely.
  • Role play: The home corner, and "school" role play to prepare for the move to school.
Try at home: Colouring pages →

Transition to school

Getting ready for big school

Starting school is a big step. We help children feel confident and excited about it, long before their first day.

Parents' guide: getting ready for school

  • School readiness: Practising putting on coats, using lunch trays and sitting for short group times.
  • Visits and role play: A pretend school day at nursery, with a register, story, lunch and playtime.
  • Links with local schools: Story swaps, teacher visits and sending drawings or letters.
  • Graduation: Celebrating achievements to build pride and confidence.

Weekly timetable · EYFS aligned

A week at Little Monkeys

Each day has its own theme, with circle time, a focus activity and a story.

Monday

All About Me

Circle time
Feelings check-in with emotion cards.
Focus activity
Self-portraits with mirrors: "What makes me special?"
Story time
The Colour Monster, talking about feelings.
Outdoor play
Obstacle course, for confidence in physical skills.

Tuesday

Working Together

Circle time
Turn-taking game: "Pass the smile".
Focus activity
Group construction with blocks: "Let's build a tower together".
Story time
Sharing a Shell, talking about sharing and friendships.
Outdoor play
Ball games for cooperation and teamwork.

Wednesday

Exploring Nature

Circle time
"What did you see on your way to nursery?"
Focus activity
Nature walk: collecting leaves and sticks to make a feelings collage.
Story time
We're Going on a Bear Hunt, talking about bravery and keeping going.
Mindfulness
Breathing with bubbles, a calming-down activity.

Thursday

Express Yourself

Circle time
"How do you feel when you sing and dance?"
Focus activity
Music and movement with instruments and dancing.
Creative play
Role play "going to school": register, snack and story.
Story time
Giraffes Can't Dance, celebrating trying new things.

Friday

Ready for School

Circle time
Weekly reflection: "What did you learn this week?"
Focus activity
Practising independence: putting on coats and shoes, and tidying up.
Mark-making station
Writing and drawing name cards for "big school".
Story time
Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
Celebration time
Certificates for achievements, to build confidence.

Daily routines

Every day, all week

Free play

Continuous provision: the creative area, role play, construction and the reading corner.

Snack time

Encouraging independence, like pouring drinks and serving fruit.

Calm time

After lunch: quiet reading, mindfulness or gentle music.

Home time reflection

Children share something they enjoyed or learned that day.

Come and see it for yourself

To arrange a visit or ask about places, call or email Charlotte.

Call 07362 284077Contact us