How do private day nurseries plan?

[yorkshirepud]

My one year old goes to a private day nursery in the Uk. I was just wondering if the day nursery has a programme or curriculum from which it has to plan? If so, can parents ask for a copy?

[cazzz1975]

I dont think a nursery has a curriculum, it is highly desirable for any pre schooler (3/4 years old) to be

toilet trained fully
be able to write their name
possibly tie their laces, although this is quite a skill to master for some and can take a few extra years.

generally for a very young child, nursery is about learning to be with others and following a routine, as the child gets older the routine would mimic the school routine more in readiness for reception.

[Bloss]

Most nurseries wil have some bench marks to work against - though for a one year old it will be very simple. The nurseries my children went to had lists of skills which may be achieved, say between 12 - 24 months, and so on. They kept it as a tick sheet in individual files with photographic evidence of the child's progress. Lovely thing to have when they left aged four.
When the children are older, what might be described as 'preschool', the nursery - which will be inspected so have to have assessment criteria - will probably conform to the Foundation Stage Curriculum which then continues through the reception year in primary school. (Key Stage One then commences in Years 1 & 2. Then Key Stage etc.)
For info on Foundation Stage see www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/publications/foundation_stage
though a little early for your little one!
The nurseries my kids went to had parents' evenings when they went through their plan and explained their approach. We also discussed how this needed to be adapted, if necessary, for our childrens' particular needs.
I would just ask, in a none assertive, friendly way, what information they have available for parents.

Sorry. I rambled a it. Hope this helps!

[teddybon]

Look at the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. You will find that nursery is not just preparation for school routines and insisting that children are toilet trained and able to tie shoelaces! Your one year old should have a broad and balanced curriculum differentiated if necessary to meet his needs and the staff of the nursery should be able to provide you with a copy of the weekly plan at least.
Please remember that children learn through PLAY and activities should engage the individual children. (Nurseries should not be regimental but FUN)