All our nurseries have large bright rooms that are organised and structured to provide the many things that young children need to play and learn. All members of staff are well trained in our own training school and work enthusiastically to deliver the Early Years Foundation Curriculum. We train staff to the highest levels through the Apprenticeship Scheme.
Our Curriculum
The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) is a special curriculum written for children from birth to school age. It is based on the knowledge that children learn best through play, being active and experiencing new things at first hand. This curriculum emphasises that each child is unique in preferred ways of learning.
Parents as partners
Parents are our partners. You are your child’s first teacher and we have a lot to learn from you. This is why we offer a home visit from your key person before gradual admission into the nursery begins. We need you to tell us as much as you can about your child so that we can successfully plan for individual needs.
Your child’s key person
All children have a dedicated special adult. This key person plans for your child’s development through structured activities designed to help the child with each step of the learning process. The key person checks continuously to ensure that your child is making progress and then, most importantly, speaks regularly to you.
Playing and Learning
We know how important it is for a child to be confident and ready for school; to both learn and to socialise with others. .All our children, whatever their age, are guided to discover the world about them alongside other children in a calm and organised environment that is also fun. We use their interests as well as introducing them to new and exciting ideas; and by doing this we develop their curiosity and desire to learn more and more.
Our Snowflake groups
The snowflake group caters for babies from 4 months up to 2 years. All the Snowflake rooms have sensory areas for the babies to explore by touching, feeling and seeing a range of patterns and textures, using many natural objects. We use makaton to help them become talkers. Most of our settings have direct access to a separate outdoor area where the babies can crawl into a sandpit or splash in the water. We also use an individualised weaning programme which is developed between parents and our cook.
Our Rainbow groups
The Rainbows Group caters for toddlers from around the time they are 18 months. This is the age when young children are beginning to make sense of the world around them. They love to play, explore and learn. They develop ideas, emotions and more mature ways to express themselves. There is a wide range of activities both inside and outside. Children can role play in imaginative environments; dress up, enact stories and become characters. They are beginning to play with each other and make friendships whilst learning to become social, taking turns and sharing with each other.
Our Sunshine groups
Children move to this group when they are almost 3 years old. The EYFS is used to plan activities for the children and there is an emphasis on preparing children for their next move to school. Children begin to make the marks that eventually will become writing. They practice and pretend to read and begin to recognise some sounds, letters and numbers; and counting helps them to understand the number system. Speaking and listening are important skills to develop for all learning and there are many opportunities for children to listen to adults and to each other so that they learn a variety of new words. Computers and other technology are part of most children’s everyday life and these new skills are learned in the nursery. Painting, model making and other artistic activities give children the opportunity to be creative, exploring a range of materials. Physical development is also very important to the well being of children. Healthy bodies lead to healthy minds so being active is encouraged throughout the day. Finally the social and emotional growth of children is essential for them to make the most of nursery and also, when the time comes, school. Calm, well behaved, sociable children achieve better results in their future education and it is never too early to start developing these skills.
