Children will be given the utmost care and individual attention where good relationships with regular staff can develop. All children are encouraged to co-operate in small groups so that social skills, personal relationships and confidence can be developed.
The Nursery will essentially be a place where children will have friendship and fun, where they will be involved with discovery, and creative and imaginative play, both of a structural and open ended nature. Children will have opportunities for free play enabling them to make their own decisions and develop independence.
From the earliest age children will be encouraged to explore and investigate a wide range of opportunities using a variety of toys, materials and media. These are chosen to reflect good design and quality and to be educationally stimulating. Children are also given the opportunity to play with everyday household items in Heuristic Play. We are delighted if parents contribute to our collections.
Activities will vary according to individual needs and those of the age group, and will cover many aspects of learning. Activities on offer include sand, dough, clay, water play, cooking, creative work using paint and a variety of materials. There are also role play areas. Staff are encouraged to allow children to lead their learning.
Children are encouraged to participate in “news” telling sessions.
Educational television and radio programmes are used occasionally as well as video and audio tapes, to which the children have access.
They are also able to have use of a fax machine, camera, remote controlled car, a robot, and computer to aid their technological skills.
With structured learning through play, children become familiar with solving problems and develop awareness in technological and scientific thinking. Introducing children at a young and absorbent age to simple mathematical concepts will enable them to become increasingly proficient in language and communication skills and develop the pre-reading and pre-writing skills essential to their further development.
Each child is given equal opportunity to gain the maximum benefit from these activities and experiences so that they will have access to the broadest, most balanced, relevant experiences that can be offered.
All children have the opportunity for fresh air and outdoor play in the three separate playground areas.
Children may be taken on purposeful outings which are often used as a stimulant for discussion for art work.
A routine and a weekly plan of activities are displayed in each room, and each child has an individual record of their learning and development.
