Our Curriculum

At HETTY Preschool, our curriculum is delivered through secure relationships, meaningful experiences and play. Every child belongs to a Key Group and is supported by a dedicated key person who works closely with them and their family to support their well-being, learning and development. Wherever possible, children remain with the same key person throughout their time at HETTY, providing consistency, and a strong sense of belonging.

Children learn through a balance of child-initiated play, exploration, continuous provision, small-group experiences, focused teaching and real-life opportunities. Extended periods of uninterrupted play support deep engagement, exploration and the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning. Free-flow indoor and outdoor learning, open-ended resources and a rolling snack system promote independence, conversation and sustained engagement.

HETTY Preschool operates across a mixed-age learning environment and a preschool learning environment, Rocket Room. Children in the year before school access both environments throughout the week, benefiting from focused preschool learning alongside the opportunities offered by a mixed-age community. First4Maths and Little Wandle Foundations are delivered across both environments. First4Maths supports children’s mathematical development, while Little Wandle Foundations develops early listening, language and phonological awareness skills.

Learning is adapted to children’s developmental stage and individual needs. Children revisit key concepts, knowledge and skills throughout their time at HETTY, building secure foundations for future learning and progress.

Practitioners work collaboratively to deliver the curriculum and support children’s progress across the setting. Through sustained shared thinking, in-the-moment interactions and carefully planned experiences, practitioners build on children’s interests, strengths and next steps.

Strong partnerships with families and our partner primary school enrich children’s experiences and support transition to the next stage of learning. We also work closely with other receiving schools to ensure every child experiences a positive and well-supported transition. These experiences help children develop confidence, independence, resilience and a sense of belonging within the wider community.

 HETTY PRESCHOOL LONG TERM CURRICULUM 2026-2027