Our Curriculum at Happylands
At Happylands, our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the needs of every child, supporting their development through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences. Rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our approach ensures children feel safe, confident, and motivated to learn while making steady progress across all areas of development.
Our intentionally small setting, experienced staff, and thoughtfully prepared learning environments allow us to offer a curriculum that is child‑centred, inclusive, and responsive.
How Children Learn at Happylands
Children learn best when they feel secure, valued, and interested. Our curriculum is delivered through:
- Play‑based learning, both adult‑led and child‑initiated
- Age‑appropriate resources available throughout the day
- Carefully planned activities tailored to children’s needs and interests
- Skilled interactions from practitioners who know each child well
Learning takes place across our communal areas and our two dedicated rooms, each set up daily to reflect the children who are using them.
Our Learning Environments & Resources
Communal Areas
Our shared spaces support:
- Social development and communication
- Group activities, circle time, and shared play
- Physical play and movement
- Opportunities for children of different ages to learn together
These areas promote confidence, cooperation, and a sense of community.
The Caterpillars Room
Designed for our younger children, this space includes:
- Sensory and exploratory resources
- Role‑play and small world activities
- Books, songs, and communication‑rich experiences
- Resources that support early physical and emotional development
The Butterflies Room
Our space for older children supports:
- Early literacy and numeracy experiences
- Creative and imaginative play
- Problem‑solving and enquiry
- Independence, self‑help skills, and school readiness
Resources are rotated regularly to remain engaging and relevant, and activities are adapted to reflect each child’s next steps.
Learning Areas of the EYFS
Our curriculum covers all seven areas of learning and development:
Prime Areas
Communication and Language
Children are encouraged to talk, listen, and express themselves through stories, songs, group discussions, and everyday interactions.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We support children to form positive relationships, manage emotions, build confidence, and develop independence in a nurturing environment.
Physical Development
Through movement, outdoor play, and fine motor activities, children develop strength, coordination, and control.
Specific Areas
Literacy
Children explore books, stories, mark‑making, and early writing in a relaxed and enjoyable way, building the foundations for reading and writing.
Mathematics
Maths is embedded in everyday play through counting, pattern‑making, problem‑solving, and practical activities.
Understanding the World
Children learn about themselves, their families, the local community, nature, and the wider world through hands‑on experiences and curiosity‑led exploration.
Expressive Arts and Design
Creativity is encouraged through art, music, imaginative play, and design, allowing children to express their ideas and emotions freely.
Inclusive Practice & SEND Support
Our curriculum is inclusive and accessible to all children. With staff trained in Autism and SEND, we adapt environments, resources, and teaching approaches to ensure every child can participate fully and succeed. We work closely with families and external professionals where needed.
Observation, Assessment & Next Steps
Practitioners regularly observe children to understand:
- What they can do
- What interests them
- What their next learning steps should be
This ensures our curriculum remains responsive, personalised, and meaningful for every child. We use Tapestry, the Online Childhood Education Platform to track, record and share information with parents and carers.
Working in Partnership With Parents
Parents are central to our curriculum. We:
- Share children’s learning and progress
- Value parent input and knowledge of their child
- Work together to support each child’s development
A Curriculum That Puts Children First
At Happylands, our curriculum is more than activities and resources — it is a carefully planned journey that supports children to become confident, capable, and curious learners, ready for their next stage of education.