Our Curriculum
How we support every child's learning journey — from birth to school age
At Madele Childminding we follow Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) — a framework designed to help every child become the best they can be. Rather than sitting at a desk, young children learn through play, exploration, relationships, and everyday experiences. Our role is to create the rich, nurturing environment in which that learning naturally flourishes.
Pre-Birth to Three
The foundations of all future learning are laid in the earliest years. Scotland's Pre-Birth to Three guidance identifies four core principles — the “4 Rs” — that underpin everything we do with babies and toddlers.
Relationships
Warm, consistent bonds with trusted carers are the bedrock of healthy development.
Responsive Care
Tuning in to each child's cues and meeting needs with sensitivity and attentiveness.
Respect
Valuing every child as a unique individual with their own feelings and perspectives.
Resilience
Nurturing the confidence to explore, try new things, and bounce back from setbacks.
Early Level
From age three, children enter the Early Level of the Curriculum for Excellence. Learning continues to be play-based but is now structured across eight curriculum areas, woven seamlessly into daily routines, outings, and activities.
Literacy & Languages
Listening, talking, early reading and writing through stories, rhymes, and conversation.
Numeracy & Maths
Counting, sorting, patterns and shapes through play and everyday activities.
Sciences
Curiosity and exploration — noticing nature, asking questions, and discovering how things work.
Social Studies
Learning about family, community, culture, and the wider world.
Expressive Arts
Art, music, drama and movement to spark creativity and self-expression.
Religious & Moral Education
Developing values, kindness, and an awareness of others' beliefs and traditions.
Technologies
Exploring tools, everyday devices, and how things are made and used.
Health & Wellbeing
Physical activity, healthy habits, emotional literacy, and self-care skills.
The Four Capacities
Everything in CfE works toward developing four core qualities in every child — qualities that will serve them throughout childhood and into adult life.
Successful Learners
Motivated to learn, able to use skills creatively, and open to new experiences.
Confident Individuals
Developing self-belief, emotional resilience, and a positive sense of identity.
Responsible Citizens
Respectful, caring for others, and beginning to understand the world around them.
Effective Contributors
Co-operative, communicative, and enthusiastic about working with others.
SHANARRI Wellbeing
Scotland's GIRFEC (Getting It Right for Every Child) framework identifies eight wellbeing indicators — summarised as SHANARRI — that children need to thrive. We keep these indicators in mind every single day.
How We Bring It to Life
At Madele Childminding, the curriculum isn't a separate “learning time” — it runs through everything we do together. Here are some of the ways we bring CfE to life every day:
- 🏰Trips to castles, museums, libraries, beaches, and parks — broadening horizons and inspiring curiosity.
- 🌱Garden play and nature exploration — growing things, observing wildlife, and learning about the natural world.
- 📚Stories, songs, and rhymes — building literacy, language, and a lifelong love of books.
- 🎨Arts and crafts, sand play, and sensory activities — developing creativity, fine motor skills, and imagination.
- 🤸Active play, cycling, and outdoor adventures — supporting physical development and healthy habits.
- 🍽️Table manners and mealtimes — building social skills, independence, and a sense of routine.
- 📸Real-time updates with photos and videos so parents can share in every milestone.
Want to find out more?
We'd love to talk you through how we support your child's individual learning journey. Get in touch — we're always happy to chat.
Get in Touch