At Chatham Nursery School, we are committed to ensuring that every child achieves their full potential. As part of this commitment, we regularly assess the impact of our learning intentions to identify any gaps in progress and provide timely, targeted support for both children and their families.

We recognise that each child develops at their own pace, and not all will follow a typical progression. However, we firmly believe that every child is capable of making meaningful progress, and we focus on nurturing their individual strengths and interests.

Our priority is always quality time with children. We ensure that assessment practices do not detract from the rich, meaningful interactions that support development. Guided by the Birth to Five Matters framework and our long-term curriculum maps, our approach is thoughtful, responsive, and rooted in the belief that children learn best through play, relationships, and purposeful experiences.

At Chatham Nursery, we use Tapestry – an online learning journal – to document and share children’s experiences and learning with families. Using iPads, staff capture meaningful moments that reflect each child’s development and progress, helping families stay connected to their child’s journey at nursery.

While Tapestry is a valuable tool for communication and reflection, we are intentional about keeping iPad use to a minimum. Our priority is always to be present, engaged, and hands-on with the children, focusing on play, interaction, and direct support. We believe that meaningful relationships and real-time engagement are at the heart of effective early years practice.

Statutory Progress Check at Age Two

Between the ages of two and three, we complete a statutory progress check, providing parents or carers with a short written summary of their child’s development in the three prime areas.