Nursery Curriculum | Nursery and Pre-School | Radnor House Sevenoaks

Nursery French Lesson, Radnor House Sevenoaks

IN THIS SECTION

Nurturing Confident, Happy Learners

`At our Pre School, we embrace a child-centred curriculum that recognises every child as a unique individual.`

Learning is guided by the Radnor Archway Curriculum, our distinctive educational framework that gives children a rich, well-rounded start to their education while also nurturing vital personal and social skills. From making choices and taking initiative, to dressing themselves or selecting activities, children are encouraged to develop independence, confidence, and a love of learning.

Through tailored daily planning, we meet the developmental needs of each child whilst adhering to the UK Government’s Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, covering essential areas such as:

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Literacy
Mathematics
Expressive Arts and Design: Dance, Drama, Art, and Music
Understanding the World

The Radnor Archway Curriculum is a caring and imaginative approach to learning, designed to help every child grow in confidence, curiosity and joy, from their very first days in Nursery through to Sixth Form.

In our Preschool, learning is playful, purposeful and full of wonder. Children explore ideas through stories, songs, movement, creativity and hands-on experiences that spark their natural curiosity. Rather than learning in isolated subjects, we gently connect learning together, helping children make sense of the world around them in a way that feels exciting and meaningful.

Our approach nurtures the whole child. Alongside early language, number and creative skills, we place great importance on social development, emotional wellbeing and building positive relationships. Children are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, solve problems and develop independence — all within a warm, supportive environment where they feel safe and valued.

At Radnor, education is about more than early academic foundations. It is about helping children develop confidence, kindness and a love of learning that will stay with them for life, preparing them not just for school, but for the world beyond it.

Radnor Archway Curriculum

Specialist Teaching

What truly sets our curriculum apart is the depth added through specialist teaching across a wide range of subjects. Throughout the week, children benefit from engaging, immersive lessons led by experienced subject specialists in areas such as:

Forest School: Engaging with nature through hands-on exploration.
Physical Education and Games: Promoting physical development and teamwork.
Performing Arts: Nurturing creativity through dance, drama and music.
French Lessons: Expanding communication and cultural awareness.
Library Visits: Encouraging early literacy and a love for reading.

We believe in fostering a strong connection to the wider school community, helping children make a seamless transition to Reception. They take part in school-wide events such as the Nativity play, swimming gala, and Sports Day — each offering valuable opportunities to build confidence, celebrate achievements, and develop a sense of belonging.

SPECIALIST TEACHING AREAS
Performing Arts We believe in the transformative power of the performing arts, guided by our philosophy of Performance for All. Each week, Pre-School children take part in dedicated drama and music lessons led by a specialist. These sessions are designed to complement and reinforce the themes explored in the classroom, while also developing essential skills such as imagination, teamwork and confidence. Each year, our Nursery children perform in a heart-warming Nativity, giving every child the opportunity to shine, build confidence and celebrate their creativity in front of a live audience. French French lessons take place once a week in our Nursery, in small, supportive groups. The focus is on fun, fostering a love of language from an early age. Children learn French through songs, puppets, games, stories, and creative activities, with each lesson carefully planned to be varied, engaging, and full of discovery. Weekly photos on Tapestry keep families connected to their child’s learning, and our topics are closely linked to the Archway Curriculum for a seamless approach to learning. The highlight of the year is our lively French concert in the summer term, where parents are always delighted by the progress their children have made! Physical Education Physical development is a key part of life at Nursery. PE sessions take place weekly in small groups, focusing on developing balance, coordination, and agility through games, movement, and simple challenges. Lessons are designed to be fun and inclusive, helping children build confidence, teamwork and resilience. Swimming Swimming lessons in our 25-metre indoor pool, give children the chance to develop water confidence and basic swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment. Lessons are tailored to each child’s ability and delivered by experienced instructors, combining fun activities with essential water safety skills. Outdoor Education Forest School is a weekly adventure for our Nursery children, taking place in our inspiring outdoor learning areas. Guided by our qualified Forest School leader, children explore nature, take managed risks, and develop independence through a wide range of hands-on activities, from building and bug discovery to creative play and imaginative challenges. Each session is designed to foster a deep connection with the natural world, while enhancing essential life skills, resilience, confidence and a sense of curiosity Library Visits Every week, our Nursery children enjoy a visit to the Prep School library, where they explore a world of stories and imagination. They choose books to enjoy independently or share in group storytime, helping to develop early literacy skills, a love of reading, and confidence in handling books. Library time also encourages curiosity, language development, and social interaction, forming an important part of our Archway Curriculum and the children’s early learning journey. Co-Curricular Beyond the classroom, nursery children can experience co-curricular activities such as dance, tennis and Taekwon-Do.

SPECIALIST TEACHING AREAS

Performing Arts

We believe in the transformative power of the performing arts, guided by our philosophy of Performance for All. Each week, Pre-School children take part in dedicated drama and music lessons led by a specialist. These sessions are designed to complement and reinforce the themes explored in the classroom, while also developing essential skills such as imagination, teamwork and confidence. Each year, our Nursery children perform in a heart-warming Nativity, giving every child the opportunity to shine, build confidence and celebrate their creativity in front of a live audience.

French

French lessons take place once a week in our Nursery, in small, supportive groups. The focus is on fun, fostering a love of language from an early age. Children learn French through songs, puppets, games, stories, and creative activities, with each lesson carefully planned to be varied, engaging, and full of discovery. Weekly photos on Tapestry keep families connected to their child’s learning, and our topics are closely linked to the Archway Curriculum for a seamless approach to learning. The highlight of the year is our lively French concert in the summer term, where parents are always delighted by the progress their children have made!

Physical Education

Physical development is a key part of life at Nursery. PE sessions take place weekly in small groups, focusing on developing balance, coordination, and agility through games, movement, and simple challenges. Lessons are designed to be fun and inclusive, helping children build confidence, teamwork and resilience.

Swimming

Swimming lessons in our 25-metre indoor pool, give children the chance to develop water confidence and basic swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment. Lessons are tailored to each child’s ability and delivered by experienced instructors, combining fun activities with essential water safety skills.

Outdoor Education

Forest School is a weekly adventure for our Nursery children, taking place in our inspiring outdoor learning areas. Guided by our qualified Forest School leader, children explore nature, take managed risks, and develop independence through a wide range of hands-on activities, from building and bug discovery to creative play and imaginative challenges. Each session is designed to foster a deep connection with the natural world, while enhancing essential life skills, resilience, confidence and a sense of curiosity

Library Visits

Every week, our Nursery children enjoy a visit to the Prep School library, where they explore a world of stories and imagination. They choose books to enjoy independently or share in group storytime, helping to develop early literacy skills, a love of reading, and confidence in handling books. Library time also encourages curiosity, language development, and social interaction, forming an important part of our Archway Curriculum and the children’s early learning journey.

Co-Curricular

Beyond the classroom, nursery children can experience co-curricular activities such as dance, tennis and Taekwon-Do.

Radnor Insights

Take a deeper dive into our thinking on the Radnor Insights Blog - your source for insightful perspectives on parenting, education and nuturing the future of our children. Stay informed and inspired as we delve into the evolving landscape of education and child development.

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