Teaching & Learning
Learning Through Play
'In the Moment' Planning:
Our Approach to Teaching & Learning
Children learn best when they’re deeply engaged in their play. In the Moment Planning is all about our staff noticing what captures your child’s curiosity and then gently building on it. By tuning into these interests, our Nursery Practitioners can introduce new ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and provide just the right level of challenge to help your child explore and learn even more in a natural and enjoyable way that feels like part of their play.
Leuven Scale
We aim for children to be as highly involved in their activities as possible in what we refer to as “Level 5 on the Leuven Scale”. It’s that feeling you see when a child is absorbed, creative and persistent. All Tommies nurseries are set up with open-ended resources in calm, interactive spaces with predictable routines.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Low Activity |
A Frequently Interrupted Activity |
Mainly Continuous Activity |
Continuous Activity with Intense Moments |
Sustained Intense Activity |
Our approach to children’s learning is straightforward: provide children with repeated opportunities to experience deep involvement because that is where the best learning and the calmest days occur.
The EYFS:
Simply Put
Keeping Track of Learning
While our Nursery Practitioners are required to complete assessments to track your child’s development, we encourage them to keep these concise and focused, so their main attention remains on engaging with and supporting your child rather than spending excessive time on paperwork.
Our Nursery Practitioners use their professional knowledge to understand your child’s development, sharing daily highlights and updates with you through our parent partnership app, Famly. On Famly, you’ll also find more detailed assessments and clear next steps to help you stay connected to your child’s learning journey.
The Key Person Approach
Every child at Tommies has a Key Person – a trusted adult who knows your child well, builds strong links with your family, and keeps a close eye on their progress. This approach ensures continuity of care and a personal connection that supports your child’s emotional security and development. The Key Person acts as a consistent point of contact for parents, providing regular updates and insights into your child’s daily experiences, achievements, and any areas where additional support might be beneficial.