Start here - Discover Our Philosophy at Yewlands Day Nursery Embracing the Curiosity Approach for Real-Life Learning

At Yewlands Day Nursery, we believe that early childhood education should be a journey of discovery, calm, and emotional support. Our approach centres on the Curiosity Approach, a philosophy that values real-life play and nurtures children’s natural desire to explore. This post explains what the Curiosity Approach means in practice, why calm, real-life play matters, and how we support children emotionally every day. If you want to learn more about our nursery and the different rooms where your child will grow, you can visit our rooms pages.

What the Curiosity Approach Means in Practice

The Curiosity Approach is about creating an environment where children feel safe and inspired to explore the world around them. At Yewlands Day Nursery, this means we focus on natural materials, open-ended resources, and meaningful activities that spark curiosity rather than overwhelm.

Instead of bright plastic toys and screens, children engage with items like wooden blocks, fabrics, plants, and everyday objects. These materials encourage imagination and problem-solving. For example, a simple basket of pinecones can become a counting game, a texture exploration, or part of a story a child creates.

Our staff observe children closely to understand their interests and developmental needs. They then gently guide play without interrupting the child’s flow. This respectful approach helps children build confidence and independence.

Why Calm, Real-Life Play Matters

In a world full of distractions, calm and real-life play offers children a chance to slow down and connect deeply with their environment. This kind of play supports brain development, language skills, and emotional regulation.

At Yewlands Day Nursery, we design our spaces to be peaceful and inviting. Soft lighting, natural colours, and quiet corners allow children to focus and feel secure. Real-life play means children use their senses and motor skills through activities like gardening, cooking, or caring for animals.

For example, children might help prepare a snack by washing fruit or setting the table. These simple tasks teach practical skills and foster a sense of responsibility. They also create moments for conversation and connection with peers and adults.

How Children Are Supported Emotionally

Emotional support is at the heart of our nursery’s philosophy. We understand that young children need more than just academic learning—they need to feel valued, understood, and safe.

Our team builds strong relationships with each child, tuning into their feelings and needs. When a child feels upset or frustrated, staff respond with empathy and patience, helping them name their emotions and find ways to cope.

We also encourage children to express themselves through play, art, and storytelling. This helps them process experiences and develop emotional intelligence. For example, a child might use dolls to act out a situation they find confusing or scary, allowing staff to gently guide them through understanding.

Parents are partners in this emotional journey. We keep open communication to share observations and strategies that support children both at nursery and at home.

Explore Our Rooms and See the Approach in Action

Each room at Yewlands Day Nursery reflects our commitment to the Curiosity Approach and emotional support. From the baby room to the pre-school area, spaces are carefully arranged to encourage exploration and calm.

• Baby Room: Soft textures, gentle sounds, and natural light create a soothing environment where babies can safely discover their senses.

• Toddler Room: Open shelves with accessible materials invite toddlers to choose activities that interest them, promoting independence.

• Pre-School Room: Real-life learning opportunities like planting seeds or simple science experiments prepare children for school while nurturing curiosity.

  
  

You can learn more about each room and how we tailor our approach to different ages by visiting our rooms pages.