Enabling Environments

Our Curiosity Journey

We are delighted to share that we are now fully accredited in the Curiosity Approach.

This accreditation journey has provided a meaningful structure for us, as a team to explore, discuss, and deepen our pedagogy and our shared understanding of how young children learn best.

Throughout the process, we have thoughtfully reflected on our learning environment — considering how resources are used, whether there is too much clutter, and how lighting, storytelling, and carefully planned invitations to learn impact children’s experiences. Staff have worked collaboratively to reflect on practice, making intentional choices that support curiosity, engagement, and wellbeing.

What we particularly value about the Curiosity Approach is how well it aligns with our commitment to sustainability. There is a strong emphasis on authentic resources, upcycling, and creating a homely, nurturing feel, alongside rich use of nature and outdoor learning. The approach takes inspiration from respected educational thinkers such as Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Rudolf Steiner. We thought about all our influencers, including British great thinkers Margaret and Rachel McMillan, and later Margaret Ackwood.

As a team, we have explored these approaches over time, reflecting on what works best for our children and our community, and thoughtfully selecting elements that truly fit us.This reflective practice has enabled us to clearly articulate why we do what we do. While we proudly follow the West Exe Approach, the Curiosity journey has strengthened our shared vision, supported consistency across the team, and helped ensure that we are all, as we say, “on the same bus” — moving forward together with purpose and clarity.

A quote from Michelle our Curiosity Approach Assessor.....

“It has been inspiring to see how your entire team has embraced the accreditation journey and reflected so thoughtfully across the modules. Your passion and dedication shine through. The children at West Exe Nursery are fortunate to experience such a warm, homely environment, enriched with natural and authentic resources both indoors and out, and what a wonderful outdoor space you have!”

A quote from Lorna Macgougan - Nursery Teacher

"Having sand pits, that children can get into, feels so immersive and means children can be totally absorbed into their environment. They have been really keen to use real kitchen equipment like metal trays, jelly moulds, pans and sieves and they will play with focus and intention.

Having water trays and containers at different levels has really piqued interest. It makes the pouring opportunities feel really big. Adding colour to different water trays last term was really popular and we had some amazing language and exploration of colour as children mixed and created different colours through experimentation on a really large scale. A proper awe and wonder moment. Drainpipes, pumps and sprinklers are super exciting"