Our curriculum and ethos
At Evergreen Forest Nursery, our vision is to provide a nurturing, stimulating and inspiring environment where every child feels safe, valued and confident to explore, discover and learn. Set within a beautiful rural landscape, we use the natural world as an extension of our classroom, providing meaningful, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, develop independence and create a lifelong love of learning.
Our curriculum is carefully planned around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring that all children have opportunities to develop across the seven areas of learning. We recognise that every child is unique, and we aim to build on their individual interests, experiences and stages of development, providing the foundations they need to become confident, capable and resilient learners.
Learning Through Farm Animals and Nature
We believe that children learn best through first-hand experiences. Our farm environment provides wonderful opportunities for children to develop an understanding of the natural world through caring for and learning about our animals, including alpacas, pigs, ducks and rabbits. Through daily interactions, children begin to understand responsibility, kindness, empathy and respect for living things.
These experiences encourage children to ask questions, make observations, solve problems and develop their communication and language skills. Children learn about animal needs, habitats, life cycles, growth and change, while developing an early understanding of the world around them.
Forest School and Outdoor Learning
Our outdoor learning and Forest School experiences allow children to explore the natural environment throughout the seasons. Through child-led exploration, woodland activities, den building, natural art, nature walks, gardening and carefully managed opportunities to investigate the elements, children develop confidence, creativity and physical skills.
We encourage children to take appropriate risks, work collaboratively, persevere with challenges and develop problem-solving skills. Spending time outdoors supports children’s physical and emotional well-being, builds resilience and fosters a deep appreciation for nature and the importance of caring for our environment.
A Book-Led Curriculum
Books, stories, rhymes and songs are at the heart of our curriculum. We use carefully chosen, high-quality children’s literature as a starting point for meaningful learning experiences, connecting stories to the children’s real-life experiences on the farm and in the natural environment.
A story may inspire a woodland adventure, a visit to see our animals, a planting activity, a creative project or an opportunity to explore new vocabulary and ideas. Through shared reading, storytelling, role play and discussion, children develop communication and language, early literacy, imagination and a growing understanding of the world.
Our book-led approach enables children to revisit ideas, make connections, develop their own questions and deepen their knowledge through play and exploration.
Our Commitment to the EYFS
Our curriculum encompasses all seven areas of learning within the EYFS:
Communication and Language
Developing listening, attention, understanding, vocabulary and confidence in conversation.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Building positive relationships, independence, self-regulation, empathy and confidence.
Physical Development
Strengthening gross and fine motor skills through outdoor exploration, movement and practical activities.
Literacy
Developing a love of books, storytelling, early reading and mark-making.
Mathematics
Exploring counting, number, shape, pattern, measure and problem-solving through meaningful, practical experiences.
Understanding the World
Learning about animals, plants, habitats, seasons, communities and the natural environment.
Expressive Arts and Design
Exploring creativity through music, movement, imaginative play, natural materials and a range of artistic experiences.
Our practitioners use their knowledge of child development to plan purposeful experiences, observe children’s learning and identify opportunities to extend their thinking. Through sensitive interactions, skilful questioning and a balance of child-initiated and adult-guided learning, we ensure that play remains central to our approach.
Our Aspiration for Every Child
We want every child to leave our nursery feeling confident, curious, independent and ready for the next stage of their learning journey. We aim to nurture children who are kind, resilient, creative and capable of forming positive relationships, with a strong sense of belonging and respect for the world around them.
By combining the EYFS with farm life, Forest School experiences and a rich, book-led curriculum, we provide children with memorable learning opportunities that support their holistic development and lay strong foundations for future learning and life.
Our Daily Routine
Welcome to Nursery
Children are warmly welcomed into our setting and invited to explore carefully prepared play activities. These familiar, engaging experiences help children settle, feel calm and secure, and develop a positive start to their day.
Group Time
We come together for a short story and community time, helping children develop their communication and language skills, build friendships and feel part of our nursery family. Children help prepare their fruit and drinks ready for outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Adventures and Animal Care
Our outdoor environment provides wonderful opportunities for exploration, discovery and learning. Children engage in nature-based play, forest school activities and meaningful interactions with our farm animals. Through caring for animals and exploring the natural world, children develop empathy, responsibility, curiosity and confidence.
Lunch Together
Children enjoy a nutritious, homemade meal in our dining area. We encourage children to serve themselves where appropriate, supporting independence, confidence, healthy eating habits and positive relationships with food.
Indoor Exploration
Children enjoy a range of carefully planned indoor activities, including creative experiences, construction, imaginative play and book-based learning. Activities are linked to children’s interests and the EYFS, supporting their individual development through purposeful play.
Outdoor Learning and Discovery
We head outdoors again to explore, investigate and learn through hands-on experiences. From forest school activities and seasonal discoveries to animal care and physical challenges, children are encouraged to take supported risks, solve problems and develop their understanding of the world around them.
Indoor Group Activities
The afternoon brings opportunities for shared stories, songs, creative activities and small-group experiences. These help strengthen friendships, encourage communication and consolidate the skills and knowledge children have been developing throughout the day.
Goodbye Circle
We finish our day together with songs, stories and a gentle opportunity to reflect on our experiences. Parents and carers are warmly welcomed for collection, with staff sharing feedback and special moments from their child’s day.
Our routine provides a reassuring rhythm to the day while remaining flexible to meet the individual needs, interests and wellbeing of every child. Through play, nature, stories and caring for animals, we bring the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to life in a meaningful and memorable way.
Life at Evergreen Forest Nursery
Learning Through Play and Nature
Our play-based curriculum combines carefully planned learning experiences, forest-based learning partnered with a love of books complemented by Montessori-inspired principles, encouraging children to follow their interests, develop independence and take an active role in their learning.
Our unique rural setting offers opportunities for:
- Forest School and outdoor discovery
- Exploring the natural world in every season
- Creative play, imagination, and self-expression
- Storytelling, books, and language-rich experiences
- Developing curiosity, confidence, and independence
Growing Through Animal Care
Children have opportunities to experience caring for our farm animals, including alpacas, pigs, ducks, and rabbits, alongside discovering the fascinating world of minibeasts.
These hands-on experiences help children to:
- Develop empathy and care for others
- Make choices and begin to understand responsibility
- Explore, investigate, and solve problems
- Build confidence through real-life experiences
- Develop respect for animals and the environment
Through meaningful connections with nature, children learn by doing, discovering, and experiencing the world around them.
Small Numbers, Individual Attention
As an exclusive, small-group nursery, we offer a more personal approach to early years education. Our limited numbers enable staff to build strong relationships with children, understand their individual needs, and provide meaningful opportunities for learning and development.
We work closely with families to support each child’s progress, including important early milestones such as toileting, growing independence and developing self-help skills.
Every child’s journey is unique, and we provide the encouragement and support they need to flourish.
Communication and Language at the Heart
We recognise that communication is fundamental to learning, relationships, and wellbeing. Our specially developed Communication and Language Programme supports children to develop the skills and confidence to express themselves, understand others and build positive relationships.
With access to a Speech and Language Therapist within our school group, we can offer specialist expertise to support children’s communication and language development.
We nurture confident communicators, helping every child find their voice.
Preparing for the Next Step
We provide a strong foundation for the transition into primary school, helping children develop the confidence, independence and essential skills they need for their next stage of learning.
Through play, exploration and supportive relationships, children are encouraged to:
- Grow in confidence and resilience
- Develop early communication and social skills
- Become increasingly independent
- Build positive attitudes towards learning
At Evergreen Forest Nursery, we don’t just prepare children for school. We nurture a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Mission, values and wellbeing
At Evergreen Nursery we see every child as a natural explorer. Our Farm setting provides children with time, opportunities and the freedom to follow their curiosity, helping them flourish into independent learners.
Our vision is for children to try working with tools and to be curious in activities on the natural curves of the land, building a bank of experiences that complement their needs.
At Evergreen, with the support of guiding practitioners, our children will build resilience, learn to navigate risk and strengthen their curiosity for learning, alongside a real and long-lasting connection to the natural woodland and the ever-changing elements.
Lisa Battersby, Nursery Manager