Nursery (Klee)

Our Nursery class is called Klee (pronounced 'Klay'), after artist Paul Klee, and is part of our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). 

“A line is a dot that went for a walk.” Paul Klee

Click here to see our EYFS in action! 

Our Learning in Nursery:

At King Athelstan Nursery, we believe that every child is unique and full of potential. Nursery is an exciting time when children begin to develop their independence, confidence and love of learning. Through play, exploration and meaningful experiences, we nurture each child’s individual interests, talents and needs, helping them to develop the knowledge, skills and relationships they need to thrive.

We encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence, providing children with a safe, nurturing environment where they feel valued, listened to and ready to learn.

We recognise that parents and carers are their child’s first and most important teachers. The experiences, knowledge and skills your child brings from home provide a strong foundation for their learning in Nursery. By working closely together, we can build on these foundations and give every child the best possible start to their educational journey.

Curriculum: 

Click here to see our EYFS curriculum 

Skills Progression Documents: 

Nursery 0-3 Skills Progression 

Nursery 3-4 Skills Progression 

The EYFS Framework:

The EYFS Framework explains how and what your child will be learning to support their healthy growth. Children learn new skills, gain knowledge and show their understanding through seven areas of learning. They begin by developing in the three prime areas, which are most important in the early years:

• Communication and language
• Physical growth and coordination
• Personal, social and emotional skills

Progress in these areas then supports learning in four specific areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design

These seven areas guide the planning of your child’s experiences. Practitioners tailor activities to suit each child’s individual needs, interests and stage of learning. The EYFS acts like a flexible curriculum for young children. Children learn through play, exploration, being active, and through creative and critical thinking—both indoors and outside.

“High-quality play is considered work for young children, as it helps them understand the world, develop critical thinking, and build foundations for later academic success.” - Alister Bryce-Clegg

Planning in the Moment

At our setting, we use EYFS “Planning in the Moment” to support children’s natural curiosity and love of learning. This approach means that instead of following a fixed plan, our practitioners observe and respond to children’s interests as they happen. When a child shows curiosity or starts an activity, staff join in to extend their learning through meaningful conversation, questions, and resources. This way, children are deeply engaged, and learning becomes relevant, exciting, and tailored to their individual needs. “Planning in the Moment” helps us capture real learning opportunities as they unfold, ensuring every child develops and progresses at their own pace.

Our Nursery Sessions

At King Athelstan Nursery, we offer 30 hours of funded childcare for eligible working parents from the age of 2, as well as 15 hours of funded Nursery education for eligible children. Funding is subject to eligibility, availability and the relevant government criteria.

We are very lucky to have 26 spaces for 3-4 year olds and 5 spaces for 2 year olds in each of our sessions (see below). Our two year old provision is called Little Klee.

Applications for Nursery places are normally due in March each year. Please visit our Admissions page for further information.

We offer the following session options, Monday to Friday during term time only:

AM: 8:30am – 11:30am

PM: 12:30pm – 3:30pm

Full Day: 8:30am – 2:30pm, with an additional paid hour available until 3:30pm

30 Hours: Available for eligible working parents, subject to eligibility and availability.