We offer a wide range of activities aimed at giving all children equal opportunities to learn and develop intellectually, creatively, physically, socially and emotionally through play.
A typical day can include:
Circle Time
This is where each child is encouraged to participate in group discussion around a range of topics covering all areas of the EYFS curriculum. The aim is to help with their communication skills and to build their confidence and self-esteem.
Free-play activities
A whole range of activities are available to the children which include: role play in the home corner or through dressing-up; painting; modelling using play dough; cooking; puzzles and games; reading in the quiet corner; story time, music and singing. These activities are usually centred on topics which have evolved through establishing an interest of a child, or group of children and cover the objectives of the early learning goals within the EYFS curriculum. The children are encouraged to express their ideas and feelings, to work independently and also within a group.
Snack time
The children take their snack in the ‘snack cafe’ which opens for about an hour in the morning. Children are provided with milk or water and a small selection of fresh fruit/vegetables. Once a week we offer a multi-cultural snack and talk about the country where the food comes from and learn a few words too in the native language. Water is freely available throughout the course of the day, in named water bottles provided by you at the start of the day.
Outside play
Children benefit from free-flow outdoor play sessions on the paved area at the front as well playtime in our newly developed natural wooded garden at the rear, where they can explore and investigate, build dens, construct from wood and other natural products, grow flowers and vegetables, dig in the mud, the list is endless… There is a wide range of outdoor toys which encourage coordination, control and movement. Children are closely supervised whilst outside and enjoy the physical challenges and social interaction with one another. Wherever possible, we take children out for walks and nature trails to the surrounding fields and village pond.
Song and story time
The session ends with story time and action songs – all of which contribute to the child’s mathematical, communication and language development through repetitive rhythm and rhyme. It encourages children to become familiar with books and begin to develop a keen interest in early year’s literature.
Outings, visits and events
We arrange several outings throughout the course of the year, including trips to a local farm, the village pond, a walk to the shop etc. We also arrange for members of the local community and/or friends or relatives to visit the children and talk about their jobs e.g. nurse; dentist; farmer; fireman; etc. A regular ‘weekly news’ informs parents of any forthcoming events that they may wish to attend.