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Preschool
Our aim is to encourage and support independence and autonomy for our 3-5 year olds. We encourage children to investigate and ‘have a go’, to take an active role in learning, to persevere, be proud of achievements and to be ‘free-thinking’ in developing ideas of one’s own interests.
The pre-schoolers share the main room with the toddlers which is open plan to promote independence, curiosity and imagination. Each day the children will have a choice of both free play and adult-initiated activities that have been planned ensuring all children’s developmental ‘next steps’ are catered for.
The room is organised into areas of interest that include: mark-making, drawing and writing, a creative space for art-based activities including junk modelling, a construction and small-world area, a soft quiet area for looking at books and a role-play area for imagination. Messy activities such as sand, water and playdough are continually accessible with additional messy activities provided throughout the term. We ensure that staff support the children with cooking activities as often as they can.
The children are encouraged to use the outside play area. When possible, we provide free-flow between inside and outside areas. With the provision of full length waterproofs we ensure children experience the outdoors every day, whatever the weather! We have a natural garden at the back of the nursery where our children investigate and learn about the natural world. The children have Forest School sessions twice weekly with a qualified Forest School Leader.
Learning and Development
The Preschool Room Leader is the assigned Key Worker and has responsibility for maintaining a record of developmental observations for your child. These observations provide the basis for the planning of the activities and ensuring all children’s developmental ‘next steps’ are catered for. Observations and photographs are uploaded to online learning journal Tapestry (each child’s account is private), providing you with an insight into nursery throughout the week.
We will work closely with you to ensure the best possible care for your child. As your child develops and grows older they are supported with the transition to Primary school including days when we visit the local school for Sports and to meet the new teacher. We have close links to Clifton-upon-Teme Primary School as well as other schools in the area, assisting all of our children with a smooth transition into school life.
