Overview
We plan our activities using the Early Years Foundation Stage. We make regular observations on each child so we can find out what the children are interested in, and at what stage of development they are at. These observations are reviewed regularly so we can plan the next steps for each individual child. We use this information to plan activities that are both exciting for the children, as well as moving them forward developmentally.
The Four Themes of the EYFS are:
1. Every child is a Unique Child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
2. Children learn to be strong and independent through Positive Relationships.
3. Children learn and develop well in Enabling Environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers.
4. Importance of Learning and Development. Children develop and learn at different rates.
We want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in our Nursery & Pre-School and to feel secure and comfortable with our staff. We also want parents to have confidence in both their children’s wellbeing and their role as active parents with the Nursery & Pre-School.
Nursery
Our Nursery Room
Our nursery caters for children aged 3 months to approximately 2 years 10 months. The baby area has lots of toys and equipment to stimulate their development, from sensory baskets to role play and ICT. The toddler area is made up of a home corner, book corner, sand/water play, messy play and mark making. We also have a sleep room where babies and toddlers can take a well deserved rest.
Pre-School
Our Pre-School Room
Our pre-school caters for children aged approximately 2 years 10 months to 4 years 11 months old. The large purpose built room is surrounded with windows that help to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere throughout the building. The pre-school is divided into several different areas, home corner, book corner, messy play, ICT, mark making, shapes and sorting and kitchen. The kitchen has a low level counter where the children can carry out cooking activities and help prepare food for snack time.
Willow Garden
Our Garden
Willow Nursery and Pre-School are very fortunate to have a large outdoor play area, which is solely for the use of our Willow children.
It is equipped with climbing apparatus, a mud kitchen and digging area and a flat surface for the use of bikes, cars and ball games.
We conduct forest school sessions, where we set small achievable goals to help children learn in the outdoor environment. It is child led learning for children of all abilities and is available to all.