Funded places: Story-led nursery programme to explore emotions

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Created by The Story Project, this brand new nursery programme helps children to recognise, name and manage core emotions through popular stories. Support greater understanding of feelings and a love of books.

The Story Project Nursery Programme

The Story Project is a social enterprise dedicated to using the magic of stories to bring emotions and wellbeing to life in curriculums created by teachers. 

Following the success of our primary programme, which is now being used by over half of schools in Bradford, we are launching a brand new nursery programme perfect for ages 3-4. 

The programme has been trialled by a number of schools in Bradford and so has been shaped by teachers who really understand what young children in the city need. 100% of trial schools agreed the programme has a positive impact on children's emotional development, and that it reduced planning time and workload. 

How it Works

  • 8 units to choose from, each focusing on a key emotion: happy, angry, brave, sad, scared, worried, excited, proud.
  • Each unit is designed around a carefully chosen picture book and comes fully resourced with accompanying planning.
  • 6 short sessions per unit (approximately 15 minutes).
  • A mix of small group teaching, adult-led activities and continuous provision

The Impact

Each unit builds children’s understanding step by step, so that children can:

  • Recognise the emotion
  • Show what the feeling looks like
  • Talk about when it might happen
  • Learn ways to manage the feeling
  • Recognise it in others
  • Understand why each feeling matters
  • Engage with stories in a new way

The impact this has: 

  • Increased empathy for others
  • Vocabulary to explain how they feel
  • A greater understanding of emotions
  • A love of reading
  • Confidence ready for school

Why Teachers Love It

  • A ready-to-use framework that saves planning time
  • Support for developing emotional vocabulary, self-regulation and empathy
  • Stronger classroom relationships and a calmer, more connected environment
  • Alignment with the EYFS Framework, Development Matters, and Early Learning Goals

"Engaging, fun and carefully sequenced" - Nursery Lead

FAQs

1. How much does it cost? 

Thanks to funding from Shine Trust, schools with nurseries/nursery schools in Bradford are eligible for a fully funded membership for one year. If you choose to continue your membership after one year, the cost is £95 per year. 

2. What is included in the membership? 

Nursery schools receive 8 popular children's stories, accompanying planning, staff training and ongoing support

3. What does a funded place entail? 

Because your membership will be fully funded for one year, we will ask for some feedback in return. This will take the form of a survey and focus group towards the end of the year. 

4. Do I have to be part of your primary programme to take part? 

No, schools may join the nursery programme even if they are not part of our primary programme. 

Find Out More

To register your interest in our nursery programme, please complete this form Register Interest in our Nursery Programme. We will then contact you with more information. 

Alternatively, if you have any questions please email [email protected]


Information

Published: 21/09/2026
Audience: Nursery Leads, EYFS Leads, Teachers
Contact: Fiona McCrudden

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