How We Learn
At Hillside, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which supports the development of each child as a unique individual. Our approach is centred around helping children feel confident, capable and ready to learn through play, exploration and meaningful interactions.
The EYFS is built around four key principles: the unique child, positive relationships, enabling environments, and learning and development. These guide everything we do, from how we support children emotionally to how we plan engaging and stimulating activities.
Children learn through a balance of child-led play and carefully planned adult-led experiences. Through play, exploration and interaction with others, children naturally develop skills across all areas of learning, including communication, physical development, early literacy and maths, understanding the world and creative expression.
A key part of our approach is working in small groups. We use separate learning spaces for our 2-year-olds and our 3-4-year-olds, allowing us to tailor activities to each age group. This helps younger children feel secure and supported, while giving older children the opportunity to build independence, focus and confidence as they prepare for their next stage.
Areas of Learning
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Every child at Hillside is supported by a dedicated key person who knows them well and understands how to support their individual development. Our staff carefully observe each child and plan activities that build on their interests and next steps, helping them to make steady and confident progress.
We work closely with parents and carers, sharing regular updates on their child’s development. Families have opportunities to meet with their child’s key person to discuss progress.
Each child’s learning journey is captured through observations and photographs on Tapestry, creating a special record of their time at Hillside. These journals not only support development tracking but also become a lovely keepsake for families to look back on.
Daily Routine
At Hillside, our day is carefully structured to provide a balance of routine, flexibility and fun. Consistent daily routines help children feel safe, secure and confident, while also supporting independence and a smooth flow to the day.
Our sessions begin with a warm welcome, where children self-register and settle into play. This helps children build confidence and independence from the moment they arrive.
Throughout the morning, children take part in a range of child-led activities, alongside small group, adult-led experiences such as music, stories, creative activities and focused learning. We work in smaller groups, using separate spaces for our 2-year-olds and our 3–4-year-olds to ensure activities are appropriate and engaging for each age group.
Snack and lunchtime are social, relaxed parts of the day where children come together, encouraging conversation, independence and good eating habits.
Outdoor play is an important part of our daily routine. Children have regular opportunities to explore and learn outside, supporting their physical development, confidence and wellbeing.
As the day progresses, children come together for group times, such as singing, stories or reflection, before preparing to go home. These moments help to build a sense of community and bring the day to a calm and positive close.
For children staying for extended sessions, the afternoon continues with a similar balance of play, learning and social interaction in a relaxed and nurturing environment.