Activities
Programme and Activites
With children of different ages attending the nursery it is important that activities and learning are geared towards the individual requirement of each child. Oppurtunities are provided for children to freely choose what they would like to do as well as take part in more structured activities so that learning is stimulated in a variety of ways, and with a high staff:child ratio it is possible to give individual attention to children when required. Older children have the oppurtunity to take an active part in planning activities that they would like to be involved with by the use of 'High Scope'. This allows them to plan, do and review activities and helps to foster independence, planning, social, and decision making skills.
A series of themes are used during the course of a year and activities are based around these.
The Early Learning Goals form the basis of the educational policy of the nursery and a varied programme of activities is planned to ensure that all areas are covered and that all children have the oppurtunity to achieve appropriately by the time they enter compulsary education. There are six areas of learning which provide the basis for future learning:
- Personal & Social Development
- Language & Literacy
- Mathematics
- Knowledge & Understanding of the world
- Physical Development
- Creative Development
Teaching children how to work, play, co-operate and share with each other whilst encouraging independence.
Enhance talking, listening and writing skills through the use of books, role play, shaping letters etc.
Encouraging the use of mathematical concepts: size, counting through the medium of rhymes, simple experiments etc.
Developing knowledge and understanding of the childrens environment and the natural world.
Developing control, co-ordination, mobility and an awareness of space through music and movement, drama and circle games. Using manipulative skills indoors and outdoors.
Focusing on the development of imagination, expression and looking at the way children communicate in a childrens creative way.
Planning of the curriculum covers all six areas of learning and weekly plans identify what activities will take place, what the children are to learn and childrens progress is assessed and recorded through frequent observation. These records are available to parents.
The role of the parent in their childs education is acknowledged by the staff, and parents are encouraged to share observations about their child and to be involved in their learning through partnership. Parents are made to feel welcome and there are regular oppurtunities for them to discuss any fears or expectations with the staff who care for their child. This may take the form of parents evenings, day to day discussion or meetings arranged by the parents themselves.