Learning Through Play

At Mini Moos we understand the value and benefits of Learning Through Play

Learning Through Play with Mini Moos at Churchfields Day Nursery

Mini Moos at Churchfields Day Nursery wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy of Learning Through Play, believing that play is the most natural and effective way for children to explore, understand, and engage with the world around them.

Our approach focuses on fostering both social and emotional development, helping children grow into well-rounded individuals who can thrive in any environment. Through play, children at Mini Moos develop essential life skills, such as leadership, self-advocacy, and conflict resolution, all while having fun in a safe and nurturing space.

Play is much more than just entertainment—it is the foundation for learning. Children learn to forge connections with others, negotiate, share, and even resolve conflicts through play. These interactions build their emotional intelligence and prepare them for future social interactions. Additionally, play empowers children to develop leadership skills, giving them the confidence to guide others and make decisions.

Below, we explore the five key characteristics of Learning Through Play and how they shape your child’s development with Mini Moos.

Mini Moos Mission Statement

At Mini Moos at Churchfields Day Nursery, we create a nurturing and language-rich environment where each child’s uniqueness is celebrated. Through play, independence, and resilience-building experiences, we sow the seeds of curiosity, growth, and lifelong learning.

Mini Moos Vision

Our vision at Mini Moos at Churchfields Day Nursery

At Mini Moos, we cultivate a rich variety of opportunities and experiences, anchoring deep roots to prepare our children for the world that awaits them. Our commitment is to provide a safe and secure environment where confidence blooms, resilience takes shape, and curiosity thrives. We inspire brave explorers who embrace risk, express their unique personalities, and build strong foundations for growth and development. Through engaging learning opportunities, we ignite a passion for language, nurture imagination, and celebrate creativity. Positive relationships blossom, emotions are recognized and managed, and our collaborative approach with families enriches each child’s journey at Mini Moos.

Learning Through Play:
How we deliver the early years curriculum

Communication & Language

We ignite a passion for language through engaging and interactive play experiences. Practitioners model language by engaging in meaningful conversations, actively listening, and responding thoughtfully, creating an environment where children feel confident and safe to express themselves using language. Storytelling, singing, and imaginative play help children develop their vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills. We create a language-rich environment where children are encouraged to express themselves and communicate with peers and adults. By fostering a love for books and storytelling, we nurture children's curiosity and support their early literacy development.

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development

We create a nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued, laying the groundwork for their personal, social, and emotional development. Through play, children learn to build positive relationships, manage emotions, and develop self-confidence. Activities such as role-playing and small group games encourage sharing, empathy, listening and communication skills, helping children to understand and express their feelings while respecting others.

Physical Development

Our play-based approach promotes physical development by encouraging children to engage in a variety of activities that develop their fine and gross motor skills. Our vast outdoor play opportunities create a safe and stimulating environment that allows children to explore, climb, run, and balance, while indoor activities such as threading, mark making, and construction enhance their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Through collaboration with external early years professionals, we enhance our curriculum with engaging PE sessions. We nurture children's independence by encouraging daily self-care routines and engaging them in activities that promote healthy choices, empowering them to make informed decisions and develop a sense of responsibility.

Literacy

Through playful interactions with familiar books, songs, and rhymes, children develop a strong foundation in phonics and early reading skills. We provide opportunities for mark-making and writing through creative activities such as drawing, painting, and role-playing, enabling children to explore and experiment with written language in a meaningful context. Our collaboration with external early years professionals allow us to enrich literacy opportunities at Mini Moos through well planned sessions that support individual progress and engagement for all.

Mathematics

We incorporate mathematical learning into everyday play experiences at Mini Moos, making it fun and relevant for each individual child. Activities such as sorting, counting, and measuring are integrated into play scenarios and carefully scaffolded by practitioners, helping children develop their understanding of numbers, shapes, patterns, and spatial awareness. Through hands-on, practical experiences, children build their mathematical skills, language and confidence, laying the foundation for future learning.

Understanding The World

We immerse children in the wonders of the natural world through the enriching experiences at our fingertips. Through visits to the pumpkin patch, meeting farm animals, enjoying tractor rides, and participating in festive events at Churchfields such as Lambing Live, we foster a deep connection with nature and an understanding of the changing seasons in our rural farm-based setting. Our Forest School sessions nurture curiosity and a passion for the outdoors. Inviting activities encourage children to explore and make sense of the world around them through play-based learning. We utilise children’s experiences to provide opportunities to learn about different cultures, traditions, and communities, fostering an appreciation for diversity and a sense of belonging.

Expressive Arts and Design

Our approach to expressive arts and design celebrates the creativity and imagination in the process as well as the product. Through a variety of artistic activities such as painting, sculpting, music, and dance, children are encouraged to express their unique personalities and ideas. We provide opportunities for children to experiment with different materials and techniques, fostering their creativity and developing their fine motor skills. By valuing each child's creative expression, we build their confidence and inspire a lifelong love for the arts.

Join our community of happy parents who trust us to provide the best possible start for their children

At Mini Moos Day Nursery, we believe that Learning Through Play allows children to grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually in a way that feels natural and fun. Our approach ensures that your child is not only learning critical skills but also developing a lifelong love of learning.

We are proud to offer a nurturing environment where play is the heart of education, setting the stage for your child’s success both now and in the future.

Proud to be graded Outstanding!