Ofsted define cultural capital as,
‘The essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement.’
Te Whariki:12
‘I come not only with my own strengths but bring with me the gifts, talents and strengths of my family, tribe, and ancestors’.
At Boldon Nursery School, we believe that Cultural Capital is about giving each child the best start in life and the support needed to enable them to fulfil their potential and achieve future success. We recognise that children arrive at our nursery having had different experiences to others, and we aim to address any inequalities so that children are not limited by their social or economic circumstances. We see each child as an individual and tap into their interests to build upon their knowledge and skills and introduce them to aspects of our wonderful world that are new to them, or they have yet to experience.
We are reflective and inclusive in our practice, ensuring our children have opportunities to access all experiences the nursery offers. We are responsive to the interests, needs, age and stage of development of all children in everyday practice.
- We constantly consider and respond to the needs of the cohort.
- We welcome all of our families to participate in nursery life.
- We explore food, music and cultures that are relevant to our cohort.
- We explore the Beyond…exposing children to the wider world and communities.
It is our intention to provide a curriculum which develops language and communication skills, specifically teaches vocabulary, enhances and broadens experiences and opportunities for all children, particularly for our most vulnerable young learners. Our curriculum offers a range of experiences which engage, enthuse, and enlighten. Our aim is to provide a culture of curiosity through magical moments and to support the children to develop the dispositions and attitudes that enable them to learn effectively. We believe that if all children can become good at learning in their own unique way, this will prepare them for future success.
The nursery environment provokes questioning, problem solving, curiosity and creativity. Diverse experiences ensure children feel embraced, valued, included, and celebrated. Children are curious and have the tenacity to enquire and explore giving them the best possible start in education. They begin to acquire life skills and build an increasing awareness of themselves and who they are.
Adults at Boldon Nursery School have a wealth of experience which means high quality delivery of our intentions is possible and successful. This includes forging strong relationships, working closely with professionals, working with parents and the wider community, being highly inclusive, meeting children’s needs, learning styles and interests, understanding the individual and diverse ways that children develop and learn, and supporting their knowledge and understanding to actively embed and extend learning in and across all seven areas of learning.
We prepare our children (and families) for what comes next. We consistently receive positive feedback from feeder schools and parents about how our children are ‘school ready’ when they make the transition to primary school.
Our curriculum is enriched with:
- Visits off site into ‘The Beyond’.
- Inclusive Nurture sessions.
- Integrated Intervention (animal therapy, creative enquiry).
- Family and community events.
- Planting and harvesting our own food.
- Cooking & baking opportunities.
- Opportunities which support the operation of the nursery such as, washing up dishes, preparing snack, setting up for lunch, ordering and collecting groceries, taking care of our pets.