What Is In the Moment Planning?
How Children Learn Best at The Early Years Academy
At The Early Years Academy, children are at the heart of everything we do. Families often tell us that what makes our nurseries feel different is the sense of calm, curiosity and joy in every room. One of the biggest reasons for this is our approach to learning: In the Moment Planning (ITMP).
If you’re new to this style of early years teaching, or are used to more traditional topic-led planning, here’s an easy guide to what ITMP looks like, why we use it, and what it means for your child.
What Is In the Moment Planning?
In the Moment Planning is a child-led, responsive approach inspired by the work of Anna Ephgrave and the Reggio Emilia philosophy.
Instead of planning topics or themes in advance, our educators focus on:
- What children are interested in right now
- What they are trying to do, understand, or explore
- How we can support and extend that learning in meaningful ways
This means your child isn’t limited by weekly themes like “Under the Sea” or “Transport.”
Instead, they follow their own curiosities, and these often lead to much richer learning.
What Are “Sparks”?
A Spark is anything that captures a child’s attention.
It might be:
- filling containers with water
- rolling cars down ramps
- collecting stones and leaves
- drawing circles
- building long lines with blocks
- talking about rainbows
A Spark tells us what a child is currently exploring or trying to master. Sometimes Sparks reveal a deeper schema – a pattern of play that helps children learn about the world (like transporting, rotation, enclosure or trajectory).
When educators notice a Spark, they:
- Observe without interrupting
- Join in sensitively if the child invites them
- Extend the play with language, questions or resources
- Document it afterwards
These natural, in-the-moment interactions are where the deepest learning happens.
How We Document Sparks
You may see a Spark Board displayed in your child’s room. This is a simple visual tool where staff jot down:
- the Spark (what captured the child’s interest)
- the possible schema
- any adult response
- ideas for extending the learning
This helps the whole team stay connected to the children’s current fascinations and makes sure nothing gets missed.
We also document Sparks more fully during Focus Week Observations, giving you a richer picture of your child’s learning behaviours, interests and development.
How Focus Week Observations Work
Every child has a Focus Week once every five weeks.
During your child’s Focus Week, their educators will:
- spend additional time observing them closely
- respond to their Sparks and play with depth and intention
- capture meaningful moments
- reflect on their learning, schemas and Characteristics of Effective Learning
- write a detailed summary for you at the end of the week
This means families receive fewer but far more meaningful observations.
You’ll get:
- a parent input form at the start of the week
- photos and notes linked to your child’s current play
- detailed observations during your child's focus week to show their progress
Your Role: Parent Contributions
Parents are an essential part of the process.
Before each Focus Week, we ask you to share:
- what your child has been enjoying at home
- new fascinations or routines
- anything you’ve noticed about their learning or development
- recent milestones or changes
This helps us plan responsively and see your child as a whole, across home and nursery life.
You may also notice Sparks at home: pouring water from cup to cup, lining up shoes, collecting stones… these are fantastic insights to share with staff.
Why This Approach Matters
In the Moment Planning creates:
- happier, calmer children
- deeper, more personalised learning
- greater independence and confidence
- stronger relationships between children and educators
- environments filled with curiosity, purpose and joy
Because the learning is led by your child’s own fascinations, it is more meaningful and more memorable.
In the Moment Planning at The EYA - Learning That Belongs to Your Child
Every child deserves a learning journey shaped around who they are, not what adults decide they “should” be interested in.
By following their Sparks, listening deeply, and joining in their play at the right moment, we create experiences full of awe, wonder and discovery.
If you ever have questions about how In the Moment Planning works or what it looks like for your child, please speak to your Nursery Manager, we’re always here to help and guide you.
