What Does It Mean to Have a Curriculum in Your Childminding Setting?

When it comes to childminding, the term curriculum might sound daunting or formal, but at its heart, it simply means what children learn and how you support their learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) defines the curriculum as “the planned and unplanned experiences and activities designed to meet the developmental needs of children. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, having a clear curriculum can enrich the experiences you provide and help the children in your care thrive.

Lets explore what a curriculum in a childminding setting entails, its benefits to children, how to create one that suits your setting, and how to confidently discuss it with others.

Why Does a Curriculum Matter?

The curriculum you create for your childminding setting acts as a roadmap for childrens learning. It ensures you’re meeting their developmental needs in line with the EYFS while considering their individual interests and cultural backgrounds.

Here are some key benefits to having a curriculum:

1. Supporting Holistic Development

A well-thought-out curriculum ensures children are developing across all areas of learning: from communication and language to physical, personal, and emotional development. Through balanced and purposeful activities, children gain the skills they need to navigate the world confidently.

2. Providing Structure with Flexibility

While child-led play remains a cornerstone of early years education, a curriculum provides a gentle structure that ensures all areas of the EYFS are covered. This helps practitioners identify gaps in learning and adjust activities to support every childs progress.

3. Building a Shared Understanding

A curriculum helps communicate your vision, priorities, and approach to childrens learning with parents, Ofsted inspectors, and other professionals. This builds trust, consistency, and clarity across your setting.

4. Inspiring Curiosity

A strong curriculum isn’t about ticking boxes, says Rebecca, an Early Years Professional with 10 years of experience. Its about sparking childrens natural curiosity and encouraging them to explore the world in meaningful ways.

How to Decide What Your Curriculum Should Be

Creating a curriculum doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel. Start by considering these key questions:

1. What Are the Needs and Interests of the Children in Your Care?

Observe the children closely. What sparks their curiosity? What are their strengths and areas for growth? Use these insights to plan activities that are engaging and relevant.

2. How Do You Align with the EYFS?

The EYFS provides clear guidance on the seven areas of learning and development. Use this framework as the foundation for your curriculum. For instance, you might plan an activity like planting seeds to cover physical development (fine motor skills), understanding the world (learning about growth), and communication skills (discussing the process).

3. What Makes Your Setting Unique?

Celebrate your unique approach and environment. For example, if you spend lots of time outdoors, your curriculum might emphasize nature-based learning, such as bug hunts or weather observations.

4. What Cultural Celebrations and Diversity Will You Include?

Embrace the diversity of your families and community by including cultural celebrations and festivals. Not only does this foster inclusivity, but it also broadens childrens understanding of the world.

How to Talk About Your Curriculum

Whether you’re chatting with parents or an Ofsted inspector, discussing your curriculum clearly and confidently is essential.

Heres how to do it effectively:

1. Use Simple, Relatable Language

Avoid jargon. Instead of We ensure progression through the EYFS areas of learning, you could say, We focus on helping children learn through play and hands-on activities.

2. Highlight the Benefits to Children

Explain how your curriculum supports childrens growth. For example, We include lots of sensory play because it helps children develop motor skills and encourages creativity.

3. Showcase Examples

Share real-life examples of activities you’ve done and the outcomes. For instance, Last week, we explored transport through stories, role play, and art, and the children loved making their own paper airplanes.

4. Link Back to the EYFS

Demonstrate how your curriculum aligns with the EYFS. For instance, This activity supported their understanding of the world and physical development, which are part of the EYFS.

Final Thoughts

Having a curriculum in your childminding setting doesn’t mean rigid lesson plans or formal assessments. Instead, it’s about creating meaningful experiences that help children develop a love of learning while meeting the EYFS requirements.

As Helen Moylett, co-author of Development Matters, says:

Young children are great learners. A strong curriculum gives them the time and space to explore and learn in ways that make sense to them.

By observing, planning, and adapting, your curriculum becomes a living document, growing with the children in your care and helping them flourish every step of the way.

References

1. Department for Education (2021). Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Gov.uk

2. Moylett, H., & Stewart, N. (2012). Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Early Education.

3. Nutbrown, C. (2011). Threads of Thinking: Schemas and Young Childrens Learning. SAGE Publications.

4. Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2007). Researching Effective Pedagogy in the Early Years.

This guide to creating and talking about your curriculum will help you build confidence and celebrate the incredible work you do in your childminding setting. Remember, the best curriculum is one that

is built with the children, not just for them.

Want to make planning easier? Our activity boxes and digital resources are designed to save you time while ensuring you cover all areas of the EYFS. Plus, our free monthly newsletter is packed with tips, ideas, and exclusive resources to help you stay on top of planning with ease.