By Miss Johnson, Teacher in Nursery

The early years are a crucial time in a child’s development, shaping the foundation for lifelong learning, curiosity, and resilience. As educators, we are facilitators of learning, guiding young minds through rich and engaging experiences that spark their natural inquisitiveness about the world.

Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence is designed to equip children and young people with the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to thrive in life, learning, and work, both now and in the future (Scottish Government, 2019). As society continues to evolve in unpredictable ways, we do not know what the world will look like in 30 years, but we can ensure that today’s children are prepared to navigate its complexities and contribute meaningfully to whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

Young children ask many questions and we should take advantage of their “natural curiosity, imagination and creativity” (Education Scotland, 2013). At Robert Gordon’s College Nursery, we harness this natural inquisitiveness by creating environments and open ended experiences that encourage exploration and critical thinking. Implementing an active pedagogy allows children to take charge of their learning, promoting creativity and problem-solving skills. This approach not only nurtures their imagination but also cultivates a lifelong love for learning.

We recognise the importance of these formative years and the role we play in fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth. By having a qualified teacher in our nursery alongside highly experienced staff, our children benefit from enriched learning experiences, early intervention when needed, and the best possible start to their educational journey. We plan for a blended approach and a balance of child-led and adult-led experiences to ensure meaningful progression across the curriculum and to maximise learning opportunities. With the right support, every child can flourish and reach their full potential. 

Learning is most effective when we make connections and as young children practise skills, they revisit existing neural pathways in the brain and the more often a pathway is revisited, the stronger it becomes. Research shows that these connections are developed and strengthened through play (Lester and Russell, 2008). By designing engaging, structured activities and purposeful learning experiences, we can harness the power of play to develop and strengthen these neural connections. 

The early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for future learning, including literacy and numeracy, which are crucial for their overall development and long term success. Literacy is an essential life skill that enables children to fully participate in society. The ability to read, write, talk, and listen not only supports academic learning but also strengthens social, emotional, and cognitive development. The more we can engage children in language rich experiences, the better their literacy skills become. When children feel confident in their communication skills, they are more likely to take risks, try new things, and interact positively with others.

Introducing numeracy and mathematical concepts from an early age is just as vital. A solid foundation in numeracy ensures that children can grasp more complex mathematical ideas as they grow. If these skills are not taught effectively, children will be unable to make the necessary connections between concepts, limiting their ability to progress in their mathematical understanding. One of the most effective ways to support early numeracy is through everyday conversations and activities that incorporate mathematical language. Regular discussions about numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements help children become confident with maths. This is the pivotal role of the Early Years Team at Robert Gordon’s, moving children into what is often referred to as the ‘Learning Zone’ (Vygotsky) - a space where they feel engaged, challenged, and ready to develop their skills further. 

Effective early years education begins with observation. By actively listening to children, we gain insight into their learning journey, where they are, what interests them, and how we can support their next steps. These observations allow us to plan learning experiences that are meaningful and engaging. We work closely with parents, offering guidance on how to support their child's learning at home. This collaboration strengthens the connection between home and school, creating a supportive environment that enhances a child’s learning and development.

At the heart of our approach are our core values - Community, Innovation, Resilience, Curiosity and Leadership - which guide and enrich each child's journey. By creating a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment, we ensure that children develop the confidence, independence, and enthusiasm they need to thrive. High-quality early education is more than just preparing children for school; it is about growing great minds, instilling a love for learning, and setting the stage for a future filled with possibilities.