Early Years Education
At Little Mowgli, we are passionate about nurturing the growth and development of children aged 0–5 through innovative and child-centred foundational learning approaches. Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, our approach focuses on supporting developmental milestones, fostering curiosity, and creating a safe, supportive environment where young learners can thrive. Our goal is to educate parents about the importance of early education and how we lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning at Little Mowgli.
What is Early Years Education? (0–5 years)
Early Years Education refers to the critical period of learning and development from birth to five years old, a time when children undergo rapid physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. These formative years are foundational, shaping a child’s future ability to learn, interact, and navigate the world. At Little Mowgli, we believe that early education is not just about preparing children for school but about sparking a lifelong love for learning.
During this stage, children develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. They learn to explore their environment, form relationships, and build confidence. Our approach at Little Mowgli is designed to nurture these skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities tailored to each child’s developmental stage. From sensory play for infants to structured storytelling for preschoolers, we create experiences that stimulate curiosity and encourage exploration.
We understand that every child is unique, with their own pace and style of learning. Our educators are trained to observe and support individual developmental milestones, ensuring that each child progresses in a way that feels natural and rewarding. By focusing on holistic development, we help children build the foundations they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Overview of EYFS Framework
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a UK-wide framework that sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. It provides a structured yet flexible approach to early education, ensuring that children receive high-quality care and learning experiences that promote their growth.
The EYFS is built around seven key areas of learning and development, divided into prime and specific areas. The three prime areas are:
- Communication and Language: Developing listening, understanding, and speaking skills.
- Physical Development: Encouraging movement, coordination, and healthy habits.
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: Building self-confidence, relationships, and emotional resilience.
These are complemented by four specific areas:
- Literacy: Introducing early reading and writing skills.
- Mathematics: Exploring numbers, shapes, and problem-solving.
- Understanding the World: Discovering people, communities, and the environment.
- Expressive Arts and Design: Fostering creativity through art, music, and imaginative play.
The EYFS framework emphasises a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities, with play at its core. It also highlights the importance of ongoing observation and assessment to track progress and tailor support to each child’s needs. At Little Mowgli, we embrace the EYFS as a guiding principle, ensuring that every activity aligns with its standards while remaining engaging and fun.
How We Implement EYFS at Little Mowgli
At Little Mowgli, we bring the EYFS framework to life through a dynamic and inclusive approach to early education. Our experienced educators design activities that are both purposeful and enjoyable, fostering a love for learning while supporting developmental milestones. We create a rich learning environment where children can explore, experiment, and grow at their own pace.
For example, in the Communication and Language area, we use storytelling, songs, and group discussions to build vocabulary and confidence. For Physical Development, we offer outdoor play, dance, and fine motor activities like threading beads or drawing. Our classrooms are filled with resources that encourage exploration, from sensory bins for younger children to construction sets for older ones.
We also personalise our approach by observing each child’s interests and needs. Our educators use these observations to plan activities that spark joy and promote growth. For instance, a child fascinated by animals might engage in a role-play activity about a zoo, which incorporates literacy, social skills, and understanding the world. By weaving the EYFS areas into everyday activities, we ensure that learning feels natural and meaningful.
Parental involvement is a key part of our approach. We regularly share updates on each child’s progress and offer guidance on how parents can support learning at home. Through workshops and open days, we empower parents to understand the EYFS and feel confident in their role as their child’s first educator.
Overview of EYFS Framework
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a UK-wide framework that sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. It provides a structured yet flexible approach to early education, ensuring that children receive high-quality care and learning experiences that promote their growth.
The EYFS is built around seven key areas of learning and development, divided into prime and specific areas. The three prime areas are:
Developing listening, understanding, and speaking skills.
Encouraging movement, coordination, and healthy habits.
Building self-confidence, relationships, and emotional resilience.
Introducing early reading and writing skills.
Exploring numbers, shapes, and problem-solving.
Discovering people, communities, and the environment.
Fostering creativity through art, music, and imaginative play.
The EYFS framework emphasises a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities, with play at its core. It also highlights the importance of ongoing observation and assessment to track progress and tailor support to each child’s needs.
At Little Mowgli, we embrace the EYFS as a guiding principle, ensuring that every activity aligns with its standards while remaining engaging and fun.
Importance of Play-Based, Exploratory Learning
Play is the cornerstone of early learning at Little Mowgli. Research shows that play-based, exploratory learning is one of the most effective ways to support young children’s development. Through play, children develop critical thinking, creativity, and social skills in a way that feels joyful and instinctive.
At Little Mowgli, we create opportunities for both structured and free play. For example, a child building a tower with blocks is not just having fun—they are learning about balance, spatial awareness, and perseverance. Role-playing in a pretend shop helps children practise communication, numeracy, and collaboration. These activities allow children to take risks, solve problems, and express themselves in a safe and supportive setting.
Exploratory learning also fosters independence. By giving children the freedom to choose activities and explore their interests, we encourage them to take ownership of their learning. This builds confidence and a sense of agency, qualities that are essential for future academic and personal success. Our outdoor spaces, filled with natural materials and open-ended resources, further enhance this approach, allowing children to connect with nature and engage their senses.
Role of Relationships and Emotional Safety in Early Learning
At Little Mowgli, we believe that strong relationships and emotional safety are the bedrock of effective early learning. Young children thrive when they feel secure, valued, and understood. Our educators are dedicated to building trusting, nurturing relationships with each child, creating an environment where they feel confident to explore and take risks.
Emotional safety is woven into every aspect of our practice. We prioritise small group sizes to ensure that every child receives individual attention. Our staff are trained to recognise and respond to children’s emotional needs, whether it’s offering comfort during a moment of uncertainty or celebrating a new achievement. By modelling kindness and respect, we help children develop empathy and strong social skills.
We also foster a sense of community at Little Mowgli. Through group activities and shared routines, children learn to collaborate, share, and build friendships. Parents are integral to this community, and we encourage open communication to ensure that every child’s needs are met. When children feel emotionally secure, they are more likely to engage fully in learning, express their ideas, and develop resilience.
By combining the EYFS framework with play-based learning and a focus on emotional well-being, Little Mowgli provides a holistic approach to early education. We are committed to helping every child reach their full potential in an environment that feels like a home away from home.
Explore Little Mowgli Nursery
Real Reviews, Real Experiences
My two children aged 4 and 2 have settled in perfectly, they really have enjoyed attending. They both come home telling me all about the activities they have done that day. The smooth transition by the staff with settling in days at the nursery put me at ease and now they both attend two full days a week.
My 3-year-old recently started attending, and the transition has been smooth and reassuring. The staff are friendly and attentive. It’s been lovely to see my little one settle in so quickly and happily. Highly recommend to any parents looking for a safe, nurturing environment
My little brother has just started nursery and we was soo worried on how he would settle in but honestly he has loved every minute of being at nursery and always has a lot to tell us upon returning home I would highly recommend mowgli nursery
My nephew has recently joined the nursery and he has settled in so well he absolutely loves the team who look after him he’s always asking to go to nursery soo that’s a change keep up the good work Mowgli nursery and thankyou for being so welcoming and being courteous to our cultural needs
Brilliant nursery, my Niece and Nephew absolutely love coming here! Staff are so welcoming and nurturing and they have plenty of activities for the children throughout the day. Would recommend to others looking for a homely, safe setting to send their little ones!
I recently had a look around the nursery with a view to putting my x2 children in with me only working around the corner.
To say how pleasantly surprised i was with there facilities and organisation is a understatement, The children are booked in for the start of July, Im Really looking forward to seeing them develop here.
Such an amazing nursery with great access to the outdoor area. The children are made wonderfully healthy food with caring staff around them. The children even get access into Jungle World playarea, which is a highlight for them all. Would definitely recommend.
We Serve Families Across...
Little Mowgli Nursery welcomes children from across Leyland and nearby areas such as
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