At Edgington Early Learning Co, our nursery phonics curriculum is built around “Mastery Loops”—short, play-based routines that make learning joyful and accessible for every child. Each session is intentionally mapped to the EYFS areas and Development Matters statements, with observation-led assessment at the heart of our approach.

Session Structure:
Every session follows a predictable, inclusive routine:

• Sound Song: Children hear and watch the pure sound modelled with gesture and song, using high-contrast visuals and mouth cues.
• Exploration Tray: Children freely explore a small set of themed objects that start with the focus sound, with no pressure to perform—watching, pointing, or joining in all count as participation.
• Pencil-Free Formation: Big, whole-arm movements along a letter path (using a car, finger, or textured mat) build motor control and letter memory before any pencil work is introduced.
• Sorting Game: Children match objects to the letter mat, with exactly one “distractor” to encourage sound discrimination through binary choice.
• Gentle Assessment: We use the O/J/I/Ind scale (Observed, Joined, Imitated, Independent) for three indicators: Sound, Movement, and Placement. This quick, observation-led tracking means you can spot and celebrate progress every session—no quizzing, no pressure, just real learning.

Practical EYFS & Development Matters Links:

• Communication & Language: Children attend to modelled sounds and gestures, imitate pure sounds, and follow simple routines.
• Physical Development: Large, controlled movements on the path mats develop gross and fine motor skills needed for later writing.
• Literacy: Early phoneme–grapheme links are built through matching, sorting, and playful sound exploration.
• Personal, Social & Emotional Development: Short, predictable routines foster confidence, turn-taking, and positive relationships.
• Inclusion: Participation is always valid—watching, pointing, or tracing is celebrated, and all activities can be adapted for SEND/EAL needs with smaller fields, visual cues, and sensory-friendly materials.

Assessment That Supports, Not Pressures:
Our unique O/J/I/Ind system means you can track small, meaningful steps for every child, every session. Secure understanding is defined as “Imitated or Independent” on at least two indicators across two days, allowing children to move on at their own pace. Group and individual trackers, colour-coded for quick scanning, make it easy to plan next steps and share progress with parents or team leads.Wellbeing and Engagement:
We embed the Leuven Scale of Wellbeing and Involvement into our approach—ensuring children are not just learning, but happy, comfortable, and truly engaged. Low-pressure, play-based routines mean every child can join in their own way, and adults are guided to adapt activities based on real-time observation.

Why it Works:
Our curriculum is evidence-based, rooted in best UK early years practice, and designed by a teacher and parent who understands the realities of busy settings. With Edgington Early Learning Co, you get a toolkit that’s practical, inclusive, and proven to help children thrive—one joyful session at a time.