Top child care curriculum examples to boost early learning

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TL;DR:

• A strong nursery curriculum in London must align with the statutory EYFS framework ensuring holistic development.
• Practical application and staff interactions are more critical than just curriculum documents or branding.
• When choosing, consider individual child’s needs, nursery’s implementation, and staff expertise in inclusive practices.

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Choosing the right nursery in London is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your young child. With dozens of settings, philosophies, and frameworks to navigate, the process can feel genuinely overwhelming. Should you prioritise a Montessori environment, seek out a setting inspired by Reggio Emilia, or simply focus on strong EYFS delivery? The good news is that understanding how different child care curriculum examples work in practice gives you a clear advantage. This guide walks through the key frameworks, real-world comparisons, and practical questions to ask, so you can make a confident, informed choice for your family.

Table of Contents

• What makes a strong child care curriculum?
• EYFS: The foundation for London nurseries
• Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other approaches: Comparisons
• Curriculum adaptations for inclusion and special needs
• Comparing child care curricula: Which is right for your family?
• Our perspective: The real curriculum difference often lies in the people
• Explore trusted curriculum-led child care in London
• Frequently asked questions

Key Takeaways

Point	Details
EYFS is essential	All London nurseries must follow the EYFS statutory framework for early years care and learning.
Compare curriculum styles	Understand the differences between EYFS, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and adapted approaches to make an informed choice.
Look for real inclusion	Check for tailored curriculum adaptations and staff training to support SEND and diverse needs.
Benchmark progress	Aim for settings focusing on the 17 Early Learning Goals by the end of Reception for optimal child development.

What makes a strong child care curriculum?

Now that we have set the stage, let us clarify how to recognise a truly strong curriculum. Not all nursery curricula are created equal, and knowing what to look for saves you time and protects your child’s early development.

The first point of reference for any London parent is the Early Years Foundation Stage. The EYFS statutory framework sets the mandatory baseline for learning, development, and care for children from birth to five in England, and every provider in London must comply with it. This is non-negotiable. Any setting that cannot clearly demonstrate EYFS alignment should prompt serious questions.

Beyond statutory compliance, a genuinely strong curriculum should meet the following criteria:

• Holistic development: The curriculum addresses not just literacy and numeracy, but physical development, personal, social, and emotional growth.
• Quality of interactions: Staff talk with children, not at them. Open-ended questions, sustained shared thinking, and warm responsiveness are all visible indicators.
• Play-based learning: Child-initiated play is the primary vehicle for learning at this age, not worksheets or rote repetition.
• Parent communication: Regular updates, learning journals, and face-to-face conversations keep families genuinely involved.
• Ofsted oversight: Ofsted inspections assess the quality and impact of the curriculum. An “Outstanding” or “Good” rating signals that the setting meets high standards, though always read the full inspection report rather than relying on the headline grade alone.

The prime areas of EYFS learning are Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social, and Emotional Development. These lay the groundwork for everything else. A setting that invests heavily in these three areas is building children’s capacity to learn anything.

“A curriculum is not simply a document on a shelf. It is visible in every interaction, every activity, and every moment of care throughout the day.”

Pro Tip: When you visit a nursery, ask to see their preschool curriculum guide documentation and look for explicit evidence of play-based, inclusive, and SEND-adaptive practices. Generic statements about “fun learning” are not sufficient. Ask for specific examples.

EYFS: The foundation for London nurseries

With clear criteria in mind, it is time to understand the statutory foundation underpinning most London child care settings.

The Early Years Foundation Stage organises learning into seven areas, divided into prime and specific categories. All London nurseries rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted must demonstrate coherent delivery across all seven.

The three prime areas:

1. Communication and Language
2. Physical Development
3. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development

The four specific areas:
4. Literacy
5. Mathematics
6. Understanding the World
7. Expressive Arts and Design

In practice, skilled practitioners weave these areas together throughout the day. Consider a morning nature walk: children observe insects (Understanding the World), describe what they see (Communication and Language), count the legs on a woodlouse (Mathematics), and draw their findings back in the classroom (Expressive Arts and Design). All seven areas can emerge from a single, well-planned activity.

Other nursery curriculum choices in London demonstrate EYFS delivery through circle time (Communication and Language), structured counting games and number songs (Mathematics), and collaborative building projects (Personal, Social, and Emotional Development). These are not separate lessons bolted together; they flow as part of a coherent day.

By the end of Reception year, children are assessed against 17 Early Learning Goals across all seven areas. These goals serve as meaningful benchmarks, but it is important to remember they represent expectations for the end of the Reception year, not the nursery stage. Nurseries are planting seeds, not harvesting results.

Key statistic: The EYFS Profile is completed for every child at the end of their Reception year, providing a nationally standardised snapshot of development that informs Year 1 planning.

Pro Tip: Ask your prospective nursery how practitioners observe and record children’s progress towards the Early Learning Goals. Look for evidence of Learning Journals, observation notes, and regular key person meetings rather than purely test-based assessments.

Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other approaches: Comparisons

EYFS provides the bedrock, but many London settings add unique educational philosophies that shape how that framework is delivered day to day.

Approach	Core principle	Teaching style	Assessment method	Best suited for
EYFS standard	Statutory framework	Adult and child-led	Observations and ELG profiles	All children in England
Montessori	Child autonomy	Child-led with prepared environment	Self-correction and observation	Independent, self-motivated learners
Reggio Emilia	Project-based creativity	Co-constructed by child, teacher, parent	Documentation portfolios	Creative, collaborative children
Hybrid/combination	Blended philosophy	Flexible, contextual	Mixed methods	Families wanting balance

Montessori in London nurseries centres on the idea that children learn best when given freedom within a carefully structured environment. Practitioners act as guides rather than instructors. Children choose their own activities from specially designed materials, and the emphasis on fine motor skills, practical life tasks (like pouring, fastening buttons, and tidying), and concentrated independent work is strong. The benefits include excellent self-regulation and a deep sense of personal responsibility.

Reggio Emilia settings originate from northern Italy and place creativity, community, and documentation at their heart. Children work on extended projects driven by their own curiosity. Parents and the local community are viewed as partners in the educational process, not passive observers. Display walls known as “the environment as the third teacher” typically showcase children’s work in progress, making the learning visible to families.

The key question for London parents is not which philosophy sounds most appealing in a prospectus, but how each setting implements its chosen approach. A nursery calling itself Montessori but using worksheets and whole-class instruction is not genuinely delivering that philosophy.

• Montessori strengths: strong independence, concentration, and practical life skills
• Montessori considerations: less emphasis on group collaboration
• Reggio strengths: creativity, family involvement, strong communication skills
• Reggio considerations: less structured, which can be challenging for some children

When exploring curriculum examples for development, it is useful to understand the childcare terminology specific to each approach so you can ask sharper questions during nursery visits.

“For London parents, prioritise EYFS-compliant settings and supplement with Montessori or Reggio philosophies for independence and creativity where those qualities align with your child’s character and your family values.”

Curriculum adaptations for inclusion and special needs

Not every child’s needs fit a standard template. Let us look at important adaptations for inclusive education.

For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), nurseries in London are required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure full participation in the curriculum. A SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) should be present in all settings, and their role is to identify, plan for, and monitor support for individual children.

Effective digital learning for inclusion is one strand of a broader inclusive approach. Common adaptations include:

• Visual timetables: Pictorial schedules help children with autism spectrum conditions or communication difficulties anticipate transitions and reduce anxiety.
• Sensory play areas: Sand, water, tactile materials, and low-stimulation spaces support children with sensory processing differences.
• Communication aids: Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) and Makaton signing allow non-verbal or minimally verbal children to participate fully.
• Graduated response: Support begins with quality-first teaching, then targeted group support, then individualised intervention, in line with the SEND Code of Practice.

Research into structured interventions offers encouraging evidence. A UK NAP SACC trial found that nurseries participating in structured nutrition and physical activity programmes reported improved policies and practices, though child-level changes in calories and physical activity were less pronounced overall. This tells us something important: systemic change in nursery settings is achievable, but must be sustained and embedded rather than treated as a one-off project.

Evidence from Scotland adds further nuance. A Scottish study of early learning found that following the expansion of funded childcare hours, quality scores for staff interactions were high (87% of settings rated good or better), while quality scores for learning activities were significantly lower (only 14% rated good or better). This gap between relational quality and curriculum delivery quality is a finding London parents should keep in mind.

Adaptation type	Example strategy	Benefit
Visual support	Visual timetables	Reduces transition anxiety
Sensory environment	Sensory play stations	Supports regulation and participation
Communication support	Makaton, PECS	Enables full curriculum access
Structured intervention	NAP SACC nutrition programme	Improved nursery-level policies

Pro Tip: When visiting nurseries, ask specifically about staff training in SEND adaptation. How many practitioners hold relevant qualifications? What does the SENCO’s role look like in day-to-day practice? These questions reveal whether inclusion is embedded or simply stated in policy documents.

Comparing child care curricula: Which is right for your family?

With so many philosophies and adaptations, how can you confidently compare and choose?

The most effective approach is to assess each option against your child’s individual strengths, your family’s values, and the practical realities of your daily life. The table below summarises the key dimensions across the main frameworks.

Framework	Learning environment	Teaching style	Assessment	Inclusion focus
EYFS (standard)	Varied, play-rich	Mixed adult/child-led	Observations, ELG profiles	Statutory requirement
Montessori	Structured, child-centred	Child-led, guide-supported	Self-correction, observation	Moderate
Reggio Emilia	Creative, documentation-rich	Co-constructed	Portfolio documentation	Strong community focus
Adapted/SEND	Flexible, sensory-aware	Highly individualised	EHCP targets, SENCO review	Central focus

Steps to match curriculum to your family’s priorities:

1. Identify your child’s learning style. Does your child thrive with structure, or do they prefer to lead their own play? This has a direct bearing on whether a Montessori or Reggio setting will suit them.
2. Clarify your values. Is independence most important to you, or creativity, or social skills? Articulate this before visiting settings.
3. Check EYFS compliance first. Regardless of philosophy, the setting must meet the EYFS Profile benchmarks for all 17 Early Learning Goals by the end of Reception.
4. Visit and observe. Read Ofsted reports, use a child care checklist, and compare nurseries in your local area systematically.
5. Ask about transitions. How does the setting prepare children for Reception year? This is often overlooked but critical for smooth progression.
6. Evaluate parent engagement. How does the nursery communicate with you? How are families included in the curriculum? This partnership significantly affects outcomes.

Key statistic: Scottish research found that while 87% of settings scored well for staff interactions, only 14% scored well for structured learning activities, highlighting that warm relationships alone are not sufficient without intentional curriculum delivery.

The prime areas of EYFS must always come first, whatever the overarching philosophy. Without secure Communication and Language skills, Physical Development, and Personal, Social, and Emotional Development, children cannot access the specific areas of learning effectively. Any nursery prioritising academic content over these foundations is misaligned with the evidence.

Our perspective: The real curriculum difference often lies in the people

We have worked in London’s early years sector long enough to observe one consistent truth: the curriculum document does not teach your child. The practitioners do.

A beautifully written curriculum policy means very little if staff are not curious, warm, and genuinely invested in each child. Conversely, a committed, well-trained team can deliver outstanding outcomes within any framework, whether EYFS-standard, Montessori, or hybrid. When parents visit nurseries, they often focus on the physical environment, the facilities, and the branding. These things matter, but they are secondary to the quality of human interaction happening in the room.

Watch how a practitioner responds when a child is distressed. Notice whether staff get down to children’s physical level during play. Ask how staff are supported through supervision and continuing professional development. Read any understanding nursery policies documentation carefully for evidence of reflective practice.

Be cautious of settings that lead with jargon and buzzwords without offering concrete examples of what those words look like in daily practice. “Child-centred learning” and “holistic development” are only meaningful if the people in the room genuinely understand and enact them.

Explore trusted curriculum-led child care in London

If you are looking for a setting that puts these principles into practice, high-quality nurseries across London demonstrate that strong curriculum delivery and warm, inclusive relationships are not in competition with each other; they belong together.

At Sunflower Nursery, parents will find a transparent, curriculum-focused approach rooted in EYFS best practice and delivered by experienced, qualified practitioners. Our information for parents sets out exactly how we support children’s development at every stage, from birth through to school readiness. If you are in east London, our South Woodford nursery offers a nurturing environment where children thrive. We encourage you to visit, ask questions, and see our curriculum in action for yourself.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EYFS and why is it important for nurseries in London?

The EYFS is the statutory framework setting mandatory standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to five in England, meaning every London nursery must follow it without exception.

How do Montessori and Reggio Emilia curricula differ from EYFS?

Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia focus on child-led learning and creativity, but all London nurseries must still align with EYFS standards regardless of their chosen philosophy.

What adaptations should I look for in nurseries for SEND children?

Look for evidence of tailored provision such as sensory play areas, visual timetables, and a qualified SENCO, as structured SEND adaptations have demonstrated meaningful improvements in access and participation.

How do I assess quality beyond reading a nursery’s prospectus?

Visit the nursery in person, observe how staff interact with children, ask specific questions about curriculum delivery and staff training, and read the full Ofsted inspection report rather than relying on the summary grade alone.

Are curriculum interventions like NAPSACC effective in London nurseries?

UK NAP SACC research found that nurseries improved their nutrition and physical activity policies following the intervention, though measurable changes in individual children’s calorie intake and activity levels were less consistent, suggesting systemic embedding is essential for lasting impact.

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• Nursery curriculum explained: EYFS, structure and East London choices
• Nursery curriculum choices in East London 2026 explained
• Your guide to the preschool curriculum in East London
• Why quality child care is vital for your preschooler

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