Curriculum, Development and Play Policy
At Tiny Toez our curriculum is created to support children throughout the stages of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), providing quality learning experiences that are structured, balanced, relevant and rooted in play.
The Early Years Foundation Stage
The Early Years Foundation Stage is the first part of the National Curriculum, focusing on the distinct needs of children from birth to the age of 5 years. Our nursery curriculum provides children with quality learning experiences which are structured, balanced, relevant to the child, related to the real world and rooted in play.
Our curriculum seeks to promote a positive self-image and independence within a supportive environment. Attainment of skills and factual knowledge is combined with instilling values and positive attitudes. Personal, social and emotional development is equally important.
Our Aims
- To provide a curriculum which takes account of and responds to children's development needs, allowing them to make progress related to their differing abilities — "What the child can do" is our starting point
- To ensure that children have positive experiences of success at their own levels, giving them confidence and motivation for learning in the future
- To provide a curriculum which offers equal learning and development opportunities for all children within the nursery
- To create a partnership with parents and carers to support and enhance the development of children
Our Partnership with Parents
Parents are regarded as members of our setting who have full participatory rights. We aim to ensure parents feel:
Every parent and carer is treated with courtesy, respect and warmth at all times
Regular updates on your child's progress, development and daily activities
Your views and wishes are actively sought and taken into account
Parents help to shape the service we offer at all levels
What We Ensure for Every Child
- A safe and stimulating environment at all times
- Generous care and attention through our qualified staff-to-child ratios
- The chance to join with other children and adults to live, play, work and learn together
- Support to build on what they already know and can do
- A personal Key Person who ensures each child makes satisfying progress
- A setting where parents are seen as partners in helping each child to learn and develop
The EYFS Framework
The principles which guide the work of our Early Years Practitioners are grouped into four key themes:
Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured
Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person
The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development and learning
Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates — all areas of learning are equally important
Characteristics of Effective Learning
We support children to develop through three key characteristics of effective learning:
Finding out and exploring, playing with what they know, and being willing to have a go.
Being involved and concentrating, keeping trying, and enjoying achieving what they set out to do.
Having their own ideas, making links, and choosing ways to do things.
Seven Areas of Learning
Our curriculum is built around three prime areas and four specific areas of learning. All areas are important and interconnected.
Three Prime Areas
Rich language environments, confidence in expressing themselves, and learning to speak and listen in a range of situations
Active and interactive opportunities to develop co-ordination, control and movement, plus healthy choices around food and activity
Positive sense of self and others, social skills, managing feelings, and confidence in their own abilities
Four Specific Areas
Linking sounds and letters, beginning to read and write, with access to a wide range of reading materials to ignite interest
Counting, numbers, simple addition and subtraction, and describing shapes, spaces and measures
Exploring people, places, technology and the environment to make sense of their physical world and community
Exploring media and materials, sharing thoughts and feelings through art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design
Learning Through Play
Play helps young children to learn and develop through doing and talking, which research has shown to be the means by which young children learn to think. Our setting uses the EYFS practice guidance to plan and provide a range of play activities which help children make progress in each area of learning and development.
In some activities children decide how they will use the activity, and in others an adult takes the lead. In all activities, the EYFS guidance has been used to decide what equipment to provide and how to provide it.
Assessment
We assess how young children are learning and developing by observing them frequently. We use information gained from observations, photographs and videos to document their progress and where this may be leading them.
We believe that parents know their children best. We ask parents to contribute to assessment by sharing information about what their children like to do at home and how they are supporting development.
We make termly assessment summaries of children's achievement based on our ongoing development records. These form part of each child's online Learning Journal on Famly and are completed at regular intervals as well as at times of transition — such as when a child moves into a different group or goes on to school.
Daily Routines
Our setting believes that care and education are equally important in the experience we offer children. The routines and activities that make up the day are provided in ways that:
- Help each child to feel that they are a valued member of the setting
- Ensure the safety of each child at all times
- Help children to gain from the social experience of being part of a group
- Provide children with opportunities to learn and help them to value learning
Our routines are organised so that children can take part in a variety of child-chosen and adult-led activities, taking account of children's changing energy levels throughout the day. The setting caters for children's individual needs for rest and quiet activities. Outdoor activities contribute to children's health, physical development and knowledge of the world around them.
Over 20 years of helping children feel safe, happy and ready to thrive
Tiny Toez has grown from a passion for nurturing early years care into a trusted nursery family supporting children, parents and communities across the Midlands and London.
Every nursery has its own local feel, but they all share the same Tiny Toez values: warm relationships, safe spaces, playful learning and genuine care for every child.
Childcare that feels personal, supportive and full of opportunity
From the first visit to every milestone after, our teams work closely with families to make nursery life feel calm, happy and reassuring.
Experienced nursery teams
Friendly, qualified staff who understand how to help children settle, grow and shine.
Strong parent partnerships
Clear communication, regular updates and a joined-up approach between nursery and home.
Local nurseries with heart
Each setting has its own community feel while sharing the same Tiny Toez values.
Learning through play
Creative, age-appropriate activities that build confidence, curiosity and independence.
Every child deserves a happy start
Choosing a nursery is one of the most important decisions a family can make. That's why we focus on creating environments where children feel secure, valued and excited to learn every single day.
Through caring relationships, engaging activities and strong partnerships with parents, we help children build confidence, independence and a genuine love of discovery.
Book A VisitA little look inside Tiny Toez
See the smiles, activities, celebrations and everyday moments from across our nursery family.
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Kind words from our Tiny Toez families
Real feedback from parents helps new families feel confident when choosing the right nursery.
Special shout out to Jackie who had both our babies from early on. Sophie, Jon, Moo and Ro x
Overall a fantastic nursery, he skips into the nursery and looks forward to every day he goes there, which as a parent is the most important thing. The nursery staff have been excellent from when he was 12 months old to now 3 years old in developing his life skills, vocabulary, learning ability etc.
The classrooms are large with plenty of things for the children to do and the playgrounds are also very good.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Tiny Toez.
CHILDCARE FUNDING
Help with Childcare Costs
Many families are eligible for government-funded childcare and support schemes. Here’s a quick guide to what may be available.
15 Hours Funded Childcare
Families in England with children aged 3 to 4 years can access 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time.
30 Hours Funded Childcare
Eligible working families may be able to access up to 30 hours of funded childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years.
Help with Childcare Costs
You may be able to reduce childcare costs through Tax-Free Childcare or claim back up to 85% through Universal Credit.
Our Nursery Locations
East Valley, Sneyd Green, Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 6HT
Our East Valley nursery in Stoke-on-Trent offers a welcoming, purpose-built environment where children can learn, play, and grow. We provide high-quality early years education for children aged 0–5 in a safe and nurturing setting.
Westfield, Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 4RF
Our Westfield nursery provides a caring and inclusive environment, supporting children of all abilities to thrive. With a strong focus on development and wellbeing, we help every child build confidence and independence.
Treehouse, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 0HW
Treehouse is a vibrant and engaging setting where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and develop through play. Our experienced team create a fun and supportive space that prepares children for their next stage.
East Staffs., Burton On Trent, Stafford, DE14 2NJ
Our East Staffordshire nursery combines professionalism with a warm, friendly atmosphere. We support children’s development through structured learning and creative play in a safe environment.
Cannock Chase & Hednesford, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 5BU
Located in Cannock Chase, this nursery offers a stimulating environment where children can grow and learn with confidence. Our dedicated team focus on delivering high-quality care and early years education.
Tamworth, Basin Lane, Tamworth, B77 2AH
Our Tamworth nursery features bright indoor spaces and engaging outdoor areas to support every stage of development. We create a balanced environment where children can learn, play, and build independence.
Tipton & Tividale, Tividale Street, Tipton, DY4 7SD
Tividale provides a welcoming and well-equipped environment where children feel safe, happy, and supported. We offer a wide range of activities designed to encourage curiosity, learning, and confidence
Lords & Ladies, Stourport, Worcestershire, DY13 8RJ
Lords & Ladies is a well-established nursery offering a warm and caring setting for young children. With a focus on development and wellbeing, we help children grow in confidence and independence
Hunter House, Hazel Grove, Feltham, TW13 4DN
Our Hunter House nursery in London provides a nurturing environment designed to inspire a lifelong love of learning. We support each child’s development through engaging activities and personalised care
👉 Our Staffordshire Nurseries
- East Valley
- Westfield
- Treehouse
- East Staffs
👉 Our Midlands Nurseries
- Cannock Chase
- Tamworth
- Tividale
- Lords & Ladies
Want to find out more book a tour today?

