Shiphay Learning Academy
The Orchard Way
A childhood filled with belonging, wonder and possibility.
The Orchard Way is how our values come to life in everyday Nursery practice: through relationships, thoughtful teaching, play, the environment, authentic experiences and the way we notice and respond to each child.
RELATIONSHIPS FIRST
When children feel safe, known and connected, confidence begins to grow.
Childhood is richer when it is shared.
BELONGING AND CHILD VOICE
I am known here.
There are people I trust.
I am part of this.
I belong here.
THOUGHTFUL ADULTS
Teaching begins with relationships.
Children flourish when they are cared for with warmth, taught with intention and given freedom with thoughtful guidance.
CURIOSITY, PLAY AND DEPTH
Young children arrive full of curiosity. • We value depth over busyness. • Play is powerful learning.
THE ENVIRONMENT IS A TEACHER
Our environment is calm, beautiful, welcoming and alive with possibility. It offers movement and stillness, shared spaces and quieter places, authentic materials and thoughtful invitations to play.
Our environment sparks curiosity, ignites imagination and invites children to explore.
AUTHENTIC EVERYDAY LIFE
Preparing food, pouring and serving, gardening and growing, washing and caring for things, dressing, carrying, organising and helping.
I can do things that matter.
These ordinary moments are full of extraordinary learning.
VALUING WHAT EACH CHILD BRINGS
Every child is known and valued for who they are. We notice personality, strengths, interests, experiences, communication, connection, movement, play and the different ways children make sense of the world.
Repeated patterns of play - sometimes described as schemas - can give us clues about the ideas a child is exploring.
