Baby Room 1 Celebrates Creative and Sensory Learning Experiences
Children in Baby Room 1 at St Pauls Nursery School have been engaging in extraordinary creative experiences with Rhea, the nursery’s talented Artist-in-Residence. This innovative Bristol early years programme has introduced clay exploration across all age groups, from babies through to nursery-aged children, whilst supporting early years practitioners in facilitating meaningful play and exploration opportunities.
The Bristol nursery’s commitment to diverse learning environments extended to an exciting community visit to Cabot Circus, where children experienced the joy of splashing in fountains and waterfalls. This sensory-rich outing provided valuable opportunities for young children to explore water play in a safe, shallow environment that perfectly suited their developmental needs.
St Pauls Nursery School’s innovative approach to early years education includes creating dynamic learning spaces using light boxes, mirrors, torches, shadow sheets, and coloured materials. These carefully designed environments encourage children to explore different sensory experiences whilst developing their understanding of light, shadow, and colour within this outstanding Bristol early years setting.
Early Years 2 Room Embraces Child-Led Learning Through Reflective Practice
The Early Years 2 Room at St Pauls Nursery School demonstrates exceptional commitment to following children’s natural curiosities and fascinations. This Bristol nursery’s educational philosophy centres on understanding that children’s explorations provide compelling learning opportunities that deserve careful attention and support.
Early years practitioners at this Bristol setting employ ‘Reflective Noticing’ as a cornerstone of their teaching approach. This sophisticated methodology involves thoughtful observation and analysis of children’s learning mastery, drawing upon knowledge of emotional patterns, play behaviours, and schemas to deepen understanding of individual learning journeys.
Recent learning adventures have included comprehensive volcano research, incorporating modelling, reading, watching, discussing, questioning, and careful observation. This multi-modal approach to early years education ensures that children can access learning through their preferred methods whilst developing critical thinking skills.
Baby Room 2 Prioritises Sensory Development Through Immersive Experiences
Baby Room 2 at St Pauls Nursery School recognises the fundamental importance of sensory exploration in early childhood development. Early years practitioners understand that young children learn about their world primarily through touching, seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and recognising body movement patterns.
The Bristol nursery provides rich sensory experiences, including full-body immersion in trays filled with paper, allowing children to engage their entire sensory systems whilst exploring different textures and materials. This comprehensive approach to sensory learning supports crucial developmental milestones in this specialised Bristol early years environment.
Nursery Room 1 Advances Mathematical Understanding Through University Partnership
Nursery Room 1 at St Pauls Nursery School has embarked on groundbreaking research collaboration with Bristol University, working alongside Michael to explore block play and its connections to mathematical learning. This innovative partnership demonstrates the nursery’s commitment to evidence-based early years education and continuous professional development.
The research focuses on deepening understanding of pattern and symmetry through structured block play experiences. Early years practitioners recognise that strong mathematical foundations are built through pattern play and spatial reasoning activities, forming the bedrock of future mathematical success.
St Pauls Nursery School’s comprehensive Mathematical Development Curriculum supports children in developing essential skills including pattern recognition and connection-making, applying understanding of shape, space and measure, using mathematical reasoning for problem-solving, and developing mathematical language and communication skills.
This research-informed approach to early years mathematics education positions St Pauls Nursery School as a leader in innovative Bristol early years provision, ensuring children receive the strongest possible foundation for lifelong mathematical learning.
