Our children at South Acton Nursery School and Children’s Centre in northwest London are brimming with ideas, interests and fascinations. Their child-led play and interests inform our curriculum in inspiring, creative and meaningful ways, as Ofsted saw in its recent visit, reporting that adults ‘are responsive to children’s interests. They use these as a springboard to create activities that hook children in and instil in them a sense of wonder. Careful curriculum thinking together with close attention to each child’s needs and interests, ensure that they develop deep knowledge, skills … and understanding’ (Ofsted report, May 2023).
It is commendable that Ofsted has acknowledged the value and impact of following children’s interests and how they inform our curriculum through co-constructive, collaborative partnerships which also include parents. Interests are the connection between home and setting as children bring their ‘funds of knowledge-based interests’ which we see and hear in their child-led play.
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