Life at Ark Start

The Role of Curriculum and Pedagogy at Ark Start

12 May 2025 Sarah

A high-quality Early Years education is the foundation for a child’s future success. At Ark Start, we are committed to closing the attainment gap by delivering a curriculum that nurtures and supports children to know more and do more independently over time through expert teaching, learning and care. Our curriculum is not just a framework; it is a carefully considered approach designed by highly qualified staff to ensure strong outcomes for all children.

A Curriculum That Delivers Results

At Ark Start, our curriculum sets us apart. The impact of our approach is clear: children who attended our settings are 22 percentage points more likely than the national average to achieve a Good Level of Development (GLD). For children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), this figure rises to an impressive 34 percentage points above the national average. These results demonstrate that a well-structured curriculum, delivered by attuned practitioners, can make a tangible difference in children’s early learning journeys.

What makes Ark Start’s curriculum truly unique is the way we blend rich and diverse learning experiences with high-quality play and engaging, adult-led sessions that we call ‘Time to find out’. We work hard to create an environment that’s both stimulating and nurturing—filled with opportunities for exploration and discovery. We focus on building independence, confidence, and curiosity through purposeful activities that spark their imagination and creativity.

Understanding Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Child Development

The terms “curriculum” and “pedagogy” can often seem complex, but at Ark Start, we ensure these elements work seamlessly together. Our curriculum and pedagogy is underpinned by the statutory Seven Areas of Learning but goes beyond this, recognising that in practice these are interwoven and influence each other.

• Child Development – This refers to what children already know. Focusing on each unique child, we observe them across a range of contexts to understand the developmental milestones they’ve achieved and identify what they need to learn next.
• Curriculum – This helps us understand what children need to learn and the path to getting there. It outlines the knowledge, skills, and experiences we want them to develop. Our curriculum is carefully planned and structured to ensure progression and depth, helping children build their understanding over time.
• Pedagogy – This is the how of learning. We identify the support children need to make progress and learn more over time. It encompasses the way our staff interact with children, respond to their interests, and extend their thinking through purposeful conversations and activities.

When asked whether curriculum or pedagogy matters more in early childhood education, my honest answer is both are hugely important—and it’s the balance between them that’s essential to a child’s success. The curriculum outlines what children need to learn; it’s the foundation. But pedagogy brings it to life. A well-planned curriculum can offer amazing opportunities, but without thoughtful, responsive teaching, those opportunities might not have the intended impact. Pedagogy ensures that learning is meaningful, inclusive, and joyful. It’s how we make connections with each child, respond to their individual needs, and build on their interests and capabilities.

The Power of Highly Qualified Staff

A key ingredient to our success at Ark Start is our highly qualified staff, who enable us to deliver an Early Years curriculum that is rich and is effective in giving children the best start in life. A strong curriculum alone is not enough though—it is the quality of interactions that truly drives children’s development. Our staff are trained to:

• Observe and listen to children to understand their interests and developmental needs.
• Respond thoughtfully, building on children’s ideas and extending their learning.
• Use high-quality language, questioning, and scaffolding techniques to encourage reasoning and imagination.

High-quality interactions are central to children’s development. It’s through these interactions that children learn how to express themselves, solve problems, and develop their social and emotional skills. Every word we say and every action we take with the children provides opportunities for learning and has an impact. We provide ongoing training and support to staff and our culture of reflection and professional growth ensures that everyone—regardless of experience—is always learning.

Ensuring Every Child Thrives

Assessment plays a crucial role in our approach, helping us to ensure that each child is supported and challenged appropriately. Assessment helps us understand what each child can currently do and identify what they need to learn next. By closely monitoring progress, we tailor activities to meet individual needs—providing additional support where needed and extending learning opportunities for those ready for more challenge.

Feedback That Matters

The feedback we receive from families across our London nurseries is incredibly encouraging. One parent recently shared how their child, who was previously quite reserved, now points things out in the environment and engages in more detailed conversations. Others have noted how well we support children with self-regulation and emotional wellbeing—skills that are essential not just for nursery, but for starting school and beyond. Knowing that our work is having a real and lasting impact on children’s lives is what drives us every day.