At Our Lady’s of the Angels RC Primary School, we provide exciting and meaningful learning experiences that help children develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need for life in Wales and the wider world. Our curriculum gives pupils opportunities to take part in real-life, engaging activities that are relevant to their age and stage. This helps them become independent learners, able to use and apply their skills in different situations.

Our Early Years approach is inspired by the Froebelian Philosophy and guided by the Curriculum for Wales ‘Developmental Pathways.’ We believe children learn best through play, exploration and real-life experiences, helping them grow in confidence, creativity and independence.

The role of "Enabling Adult" is key to our Curriculum. Staff prioritise the Froebelian ideal that educators should observe children's interests and guide them gently rather than dictating their learning using the "notice, analyse, and respond" approach to observation. 

In our Early Years setting, schemas are viewed as essential building blocks for cognitive development and internal problem-solving. Adults observe children’s schematic play to understand their interests and intentions. Instead of stopping repetitive, "messy" actions, educators provide open-ended materials to safely satisfy and extend the child's schematic development. 

Key features of our approach include:

• Learning through Nature – exploring and learning outdoors, gardening, forest schools. 

• Engaging experiences – using materials like blocks, clay, woodwork, gardening, threading, cooking and other practical activities.

• Effective Environments- We support the Curriculum for Wales  pedagogy where the environment acts as the "third teacher," designed by enabling adults to scaffold learning, ignite curiosity, and support children's authentic experiences in line with the curriculum's developmental pathways. 

• Freedom with Guidance: Children are encouraged to choose activities and immerse themselves in deep, open-ended play, supported by engaged adults who offer purposeful scaffolding without restricting learning.

To find out more about the Froebelian approach please visit: https: www.froebel.org.uk