What Do Children Learn in Nursery
When you picture nursery, you might think of playtime, songs, and snack breaks. But behind the fun and laughter, nurseries play a crucial role in shaping a child’s early development. So, what do kids learn in nursery? At Little Angels, our team doesn’t just nurture and care for children—we help them thrive through engaging, age-appropriate nursery learning activities based on the UK nursery curriculum. From first friendships to phonics, every moment is packed with learning.
If you’re considering a nursery for your child, here’s a detailed look at what your child will gain from their time with us.
What is the EYFS Framework?
The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) is the national curriculum used by all Ofsted-registered nurseries and childcare providers in England. It supports learning and development from birth to age five and ensures children are school-ready by the time they leave nursery.
This framework is play-based, which means children learn through storytelling, messy play, puzzles, role-play, outdoor exploration, music, and more. The aim is to provide a rich variety of EYFS nursery activities that support each child’s unique development.
The 7 Areas of Learning in EYFS
The early years learning goals are broken into 7 key areas of learning and development: 3 prime areas and 4 specific areas.
1. Communication and Language
Children are encouraged to listen, understand, and express themselves clearly. Storytime, songs, rhymes, and group conversations help children build vocabulary and practice turn-taking in speech.
By the end of nursery, children will be more confident communicators—ready to ask questions, share thoughts, and follow instructions in a school environment.
2. Physical Development
Nursery children are constantly on the move, and that’s a good thing! We support both gross and fine motor development through activities like obstacle courses, dancing, building with blocks, and practising pencil grip.
Physical development also includes learning about healthy choices, hygiene, and personal care, which is essential for fostering independence.
3. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
This area focuses on helping children understand their feelings, form friendships, and build self-confidence. Nursery is often where children first learn how to share, take turns, and resolve small conflicts with guidance.
Through group activities and calm one-on-one time, we help children build resilience, empathy, and a positive self-image.
4. Literacy
Early literacy isn’t just about reading and writing. It starts with children recognising sounds, joining in with rhymes, and understanding that print carries meaning. At Little Angels, we introduce children to letters, phonics, and storytelling through fun, interactive sessions.
We also support early writing by encouraging mark-making, name tracing, and fine motor activities that prepare their hands for writing later on.
5. Mathematics
Basic maths concepts are introduced through play: counting toys, spotting shapes in the environment, measuring ingredients in cooking activities, or sequencing patterns.
This hands-on learning builds a solid foundation and helps children feel confident working with numbers once they start school.
6. Understanding the World
This area teaches children about the world around them. Through science experiments, exploring nature, learning about different cultures, and celebrating festivals, children begin to understand diversity, time, place, and technology.
It encourages curiosity and lays the groundwork for future subjects like geography and science.
7. Expressive Arts and Design
Creativity is a huge part of our nursery learning activities. Children are encouraged to express themselves through painting, music, dance, role play, and imaginative games.
These experiences allow them to experiment with different textures, sounds, and ideas, which supports problem-solving, confidence, and emotional expression.
Beyond the Curriculum: Life Skills and Routines
Nursery isn’t just about ticking off educational milestones. We also teach important life skills, including:
- Putting on coats and shoes independently
- Tidying up after play
- Following daily routines (e.g. washing hands, using the toilet)
- Choosing healthy snacks and drinking water regularly
These skills build autonomy and prepare children for a smoother transition to primary school.
We also include group mealtimes, nap routines, and free play to support social learning and decision-making.
The Benefits of Nursery and Preschool Education
The benefits of nursery and preschool education go far beyond academic achievement. Research shows that high-quality early education has a lasting impact on a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Some key benefits include:
- Improved social skills
- Stronger communication and vocabulary
- Better emotional regulation
- Boosted self-confidence
- Greater enthusiasm for learning
Most importantly, children who attend nursery are more likely to transition smoothly into primary school, with increased independence and readiness for formal learning.
To explore these benefits in more depth, see our blog: The Benefits of Nursery and Preschool Education.
A Look Inside Little Angels: Learning Through Play
At Little Angels Nursery in Southwark, every corner of our space is designed to encourage learning through discovery. Our staff carefully plan each day around a variety of learning activities for the nursery that blend EYFS goals with the interests of each child.
Activities might include:
- Planting seeds in the garden to learn about growth and change
- Building towers with blocks to explore balance and symmetry
- Exploring music with instruments and rhythm games
- Dressing up to re-enact stories or real-world jobs
- Cooking together to understand measurement and healthy choices
You can see our daily approach and values by booking a nursery tour and visiting our vibrant setting for yourself.
Choosing the Right Nursery in London
If you’re looking for nursery London or trusted childcare in SE1, we welcome you to explore Little Angels. Our experienced team is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where your child can grow in confidence, curiosity, and capability.
Our Southwark setting is ideal for local families, and our combination of expert staff, purposeful play, and clear routines gives every child the best start.
Learn more about our daily approach to development on our Hygiene & Wellbeing page.
Final Thoughts
So, what do children learn in nursery? At Little Angels, the answer is: everything they need to grow into confident, independent, and curious individuals.
From the foundations of phonics and numbers to the emotional intelligence needed to make friends, nursery is the beginning of a lifetime love for learning.
We’re proud to follow the UK nursery curriculum, delivering thoughtful EYFS nursery activities that balance fun and structure in equal measure.
Curious to see more? Book your nursery tour or open day with Little Angels today and give your child the best start in their early years journey.