“The smallest moments of play often tell us the biggest stories about a child’s learning.”
At Mucky Pups Preschool, we believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued and understood.
Observation and assessment help us build a full picture of each child’s development, interests and achievements so we can support them in meaningful and individual ways.
We focus on celebrating progress, recognising strengths and understanding how children learn through their everyday experiences and play.
Observation and assessment help us build a full picture of each child’s development, interests and achievements so we can support them in meaningful and individual ways.
We focus on celebrating progress, recognising strengths and understanding how children learn through their everyday experiences and play.
Observing Children Through Play
Children show us so much through their play, conversations, creativity and interactions.
Our practitioners spend time observing children during their everyday experiences to understand their interests, developing skills, friendships, communication, confidence and next steps in learning.
These observations help us plan meaningful experiences that build on children’s curiosity and individual development.
Learning Journals
Every child has their own personal online learning journal through our Famly platform.
Families can access their child’s journal at any time and are notified when new observations or “WOW moments” are added.
We warmly encourage parents and carers to contribute from home too, helping us build a rich and complete picture of each child’s learning journey across both home and preschool.
This partnership helps us celebrate the “whole child” and recognise learning in all areas of life.
Floor Books – Celebrating Shared Learning
At Mucky Pups Preschool, we use floor books to capture and celebrate children’s learning experiences together.
These books are created alongside the children and reflect shared moments, group discussions and special learning experiences such as our Magical Me and Wonder Week activities.
Floor books help us revisit and extend children’s ideas, celebrate their voices and make learning visible in a meaningful and engaging way.
They are available for children and families to explore, helping everyone feel connected to the learning that takes place across the setting.
Working Together With Families
We believe parents and carers are an important part of every child’s learning journey.
Daily conversations, shared observations and regular communication help us work closely together to support each child’s wellbeing and development.
We also hold termly “Focus Child” meetings, giving families dedicated time to meet with their child’s key person and talk in depth about progress, interests and next steps.
Key Persons
Every child is supported by a dedicated key person and buddy who take time to really get to know them as individuals.
By building warm, trusting relationships, practitioners are able to support children’s confidence, emotional wellbeing and development in ways that feel personal and meaningful.
Understanding Progress
Children’s development is supported and assessed in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
We use a broad and balanced approach that focuses on the whole child — including wellbeing, communication, confidence, independence and emotional development — rather than simply measuring outcomes.
Children are formally assessed at age two and again at the end of the Reception year, with progress updates shared regularly through Famly and formal summaries provided in April and July.
Every Child is Unique
Children develop in different ways and at different rates, and we celebrate each child’s individuality.
Our assessments help us identify strengths, support next steps and ensure every child feels included, valued and encouraged to flourish at their own pace.
Find Out MoreExplore our Curriculum to understand what and why children learn
Discover our Rhythm of the Day to see how learning happens throughout the day
Learn more about our Together Times in our learning overview
Children show us so much through their play, conversations, creativity and interactions.
Our practitioners spend time observing children during their everyday experiences to understand their interests, developing skills, friendships, communication, confidence and next steps in learning.
These observations help us plan meaningful experiences that build on children’s curiosity and individual development.
Learning Journals
Every child has their own personal online learning journal through our Famly platform.
Families can access their child’s journal at any time and are notified when new observations or “WOW moments” are added.
We warmly encourage parents and carers to contribute from home too, helping us build a rich and complete picture of each child’s learning journey across both home and preschool.
This partnership helps us celebrate the “whole child” and recognise learning in all areas of life.
Floor Books – Celebrating Shared Learning
At Mucky Pups Preschool, we use floor books to capture and celebrate children’s learning experiences together.
These books are created alongside the children and reflect shared moments, group discussions and special learning experiences such as our Magical Me and Wonder Week activities.
Floor books help us revisit and extend children’s ideas, celebrate their voices and make learning visible in a meaningful and engaging way.
They are available for children and families to explore, helping everyone feel connected to the learning that takes place across the setting.
Working Together With Families
We believe parents and carers are an important part of every child’s learning journey.
Daily conversations, shared observations and regular communication help us work closely together to support each child’s wellbeing and development.
We also hold termly “Focus Child” meetings, giving families dedicated time to meet with their child’s key person and talk in depth about progress, interests and next steps.
Key Persons
Every child is supported by a dedicated key person and buddy who take time to really get to know them as individuals.
By building warm, trusting relationships, practitioners are able to support children’s confidence, emotional wellbeing and development in ways that feel personal and meaningful.
Understanding Progress
Children’s development is supported and assessed in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
We use a broad and balanced approach that focuses on the whole child — including wellbeing, communication, confidence, independence and emotional development — rather than simply measuring outcomes.
Children are formally assessed at age two and again at the end of the Reception year, with progress updates shared regularly through Famly and formal summaries provided in April and July.
Every Child is Unique
Children develop in different ways and at different rates, and we celebrate each child’s individuality.
Our assessments help us identify strengths, support next steps and ensure every child feels included, valued and encouraged to flourish at their own pace.
Find Out MoreExplore our Curriculum to understand what and why children learn
Discover our Rhythm of the Day to see how learning happens throughout the day
Learn more about our Together Times in our learning overview
