Babies, toddlers and pre-school
Babies and Toddlers
Babies and Toddlers enjoy the security of their own building. This includes playroom, rest and sleep area, milk kitchen, changing facilities and their own outside play area. We have created a homely and welcoming atmosphere for the children to play and relax in.
The play area is well resourced with a variety of toys, puzzles, creative activities and physical play equipment, which encourage learning through play, following the "Birth to Three Matters" framework and early Montessori principles. Equipment is hygienically maintained and regularly changed in order to provide new experiences for the children.
Group activities such as art, music, dancing, stories and games help the children to develop an awareness of others and learn early social skills as well as having a lot of fun.
The outside play area is used as often as possible and provides the babies with a safe and secure environment for play and learning.
The allocation of a personal key worker helps your child to develop a sense of security and well being and provides a continuity of care which will ensure that your individual wishes and routine are carried out. The baby unit supervisor and her team are always available to discuss any child's needs with parents and to feed back on your child's day.
Parents are very welcome at any time to come and play with or feed their child.
Two - three year olds
Two year olds are becoming independent, confident and very active. They are curious about the world around them needing to explore, make discoveries and practice their developing skills in a safe and protected environment where the atmosphere is relaxed, calm, stimulating and fun.
The children use early Montessori learning materials, educational/construction toys, music, artwork and of course sand and water. The children play freely, receive individual attention and enjoy group activities. Large physical play can be safely enjoyed in their own outside area.
The Montessori environment encourages independence - the children choose their own activities from low level shelves which give them free access to a range of activities throughout the day. Group activities such as creative work, cookery, music and movement are available and follow planned learning topics.
We provide a key worker system for each child and feedback is given to parents at the end of each day. Under the "Birth to Three Matters" framework we maintain developmental records for each child; these are available for parents to discuss on request.
Pre School
Three and four year olds enjoy the freedom to work at their own pace, consolidating knowledge and perfecting skills at each stage before moving on. An individual education plan is devised for each child which fulfils the requirements of the Foundation Stage curriculum by working through the Stepping Stones towards the Early Learning Goals. This includes cookery, music and movement, drama, arts and crafts, learning through play etc, as well as a comprehensive range of Montessori materials.
We use Montessori equipment in association with project work. Project themes change regularly, following the interests of the children. Recent projects include the seasons, butterflies and bugs, the body, jungle animals and festivals from around the world. Activities relating to each project are available from classroom shelves, on wall displays, art work, music, puzzles, books, and role play.
Food
A healthy well balanced menu is provided for 2 - 3 year olds by our cook. In the morning the children prepare and eat fruit together where they are encouraged to serve each other and learn to share. A hot two course lunch is provided in the middle of the day. A typical lunch may consist of fish, chicken or vegetarian choices with salad or vegetables followed by fromage frais, or a hot desert such as fruit crumble.
We cater for all special dietary requirements and have a stringent procedure for children with allergies.
Rest and Sleep>
An exciting day at school can be tiring for some small children. Rest mats are available for children to sleep in our quiet area should they wish. Each child has their own bedding to ensure the highest levels of hygiene.
Safety and Security
We have strict security procedures in place. Entry to the nursery is via an entry phone system and CCTV cameras are running on the gate, classrooms and baby unit.