Turtles Group
Supporting communication, problem-solving and discovery as toddlers grow and explore.
Two - three years - Part of our Over 2's Ocean Unit
Settling into Turtles
When your child joins our Turtles room, you’ll be invited to spend 30 minutes with us for a relaxed play session. This is a great opportunity for you and your child to explore the environment together while a team member begins to learn more about your child’s routine, interests, and personality. It’s the first step in building a strong and supportive relationship.
A Love for Literature
In Turtles, we’re passionate about nurturing a love of books from an early age. Stories are part of our daily routine, helping children to expand their vocabulary, spark their imagination, and develop early literacy skills. We bring stories to life using puppets, story spoons, and engaging props—and we role model how to care for books, showing children just how special and magical stories can be.
Our approach is closely aligned with the EYFS Early Learning Goals, particularly in the areas of:
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Communication and Language – encouraging listening, attention, understanding, and expressive language.
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Literacy – fostering an early enjoyment of stories, books, and spoken word, laying the foundations for reading and writing.
By embedding these goals in our everyday routines, we help children develop the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need to become lifelong learners.
Here's a snapshot of the activities that help bring learning to life
A Nurturing Environment for Exploration and Growth
Our Turtles group offers plenty of space for children to explore, play, and learn in a safe and stimulating environment. We believe in the power of play as the foundation for meaningful learning and development.
Communication is a key focus in Turtles. We support each child in developing their language skills and ensure they feel heard, valued, and understood. Every child’s voice matters, and we create opportunities for them to express themselves confidently.
Creativity is celebrated here. Children are encouraged to explore their ideas freely—whether through art, role play, music, or movement—helping them build confidence and imagination.
All of our practitioners hold up-to-date Paediatric First Aid qualifications, ensuring your child’s safety and well-being at all times.
We maintain a practitioner-to-child ratio of 1:5, allowing for attentive, personalised care and support for every child.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Areas of Learning
Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is built around seven key Areas of Learning and Development. These areas are crucial for children’s overall growth, wellbeing, and success in future learning.
Each area plays an important role in helping children develop a strong foundation for life—supporting their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
The Seven Areas of Learning
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Communication and Language
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development
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Physical Development
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Literacy
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Mathematics
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Understanding the World
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Expressive Arts and Design
These Areas of Learning are grouped into two categories: Prime Areas and Specific Areas.
Prime Areas -The Prime Areas are the core focus in the early years, as they are fundamental to children’s healthy development and future learning.
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Communication and Language – Developing speaking, listening, and understanding.
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development – Building relationships, self-confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
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Physical Development – Supporting movement, coordination, and self-care.
Specific Areas -The Specific Areas build on the Prime Areas and encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving as children begin to explore and understand the world around them.
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Literacy – Developing reading and writing skills.
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Mathematics – Learning about numbers, patterns, and spatial thinking.
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Understanding the World – Exploring people, places, technology, and the environment.
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Expressive Arts and Design – Encouraging creativity through art, music, dance, and imaginative play.
Each area is interconnected and equally important, working together to help children become confident, capable, and eager learners.
For full details, please see the official EYFS Framework from the Department for Education (DfE).
Sandcastle Nursery and Preschool Ltd.
19 Stourcliffe Avenue
Southbourne
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH6 3PU
