Play & Education

The nursery incorporates the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to support and develop children's play and learning. The EYFS is the legal framework relating to establishments providing care and education for children from birth to 5 years. The document sets out the legal requirements for Learning, Development and Welfare. It is divided into themes which express important principles underpinning effective practice in the care, development and learning of young children.

 

Our aim is to provide a play based curriculum which has a wide range of continuous provision available at all times. These include. . . mark making, problem solving, imaginative play, malleable play and much much more. This enables the children to choose their own activities and for us to support and extend all childrens’ learning and development based on their individual needs and interests.

 

In addition to this there will be adult led activities which will be planned specifically for your child’s development. These will be observed and assessed, where the findings along with those from spontaneous observations will be used to plan further activities to promote your child’s needs and development. All of this will be recorded in your child’s learning journey which will be available for you to view at all times.

Ladybird Corner

 

Ladybird corner provides comfort and security for our youngest children it offers the high level of attention that your little one both enjoys and deserves. Activities in this room are based upon a child’s early experiences of the world.

 

We will provide a wide range of activities, sensory equipment and different natural textures and materials that will stimulate and encourage their development. We will ensure that we always follow your child’s own routine. In this room we guarantee plenty of love and cuddles!

Caterpillar Corner

 

Caterpillar corner is an active environment to meet the continuing demands and needs of individual personalities as they begin to develop. Learning takes place through play based activities, where children feel free to explore. We aim to extend, and encourage the development of language, vocabulary, and the learning of basic skills, such as the recognition of primary colours and shapes, counting and mark making. There will also be ample opportunity for quiet time in a cosy corner.

 

They are also encouraged to take part in messy play and to create masterpieces for you to take home and treasure.

Grasshopper Corner

 

Grasshopper corner is for our older children where our main objective is to ensure that your child is emotionally and physically prepared for big school. We encourage independence, decision making and free choice in all that we do. The children are encouraged to make their own rules, share and co-operate, and to respect each other. Dedicated areas are available for children to practice numeracy skills, pencil control, and develop an understanding of letters and sounds.

 

There is also a cosy area for stories, discussions and quiet time. A continuous programme of fun activities is offered throughout the day to meet the needs of our lively youngsters.

Outdoor Play

 

We believe outdoor play is absolutely invaluable. It offers freedom, space and time to explore. Where and when possible we extend indoor play opportunities to the outdoors by use of a wide range of resources. Children are encouraged to become involved in sowing and planting flowers and vegetables to learn about the natural world around them.

 

Cycles, prams and wheeled toys will be available to promote physical development.

Forest Schools

 

In addition to our own outdoor activities, the older children learn about the outdoor environment through our monthly forest school session provided by Oakapple Education.

 

Our sessions are planned by Laura Vayro who has over 12 years experience of teaching children to engage with and learn about the outdoor environment. During the sessions the children are involved in a variety of tasks including, discovery walks, story in the woods, bug hunts, making natural art and much more.

 

Research into forest schools programmes has reported that children benefit in the following ways

 

  • Increased confidence
  • Improved social skills
  • Improved language development and communication
  • Better motivation and concentration
  • Increased physical skills
  • Development in understanding the world