Every child is unique
Every child learns in their own way and at their own pace. We get to know each child so we can support who they are.
Education & activities
Learning through play
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, the framework for children from birth to five. Children learn best when they are happy, safe and doing things they love, so that is where we start.
How we teach
Four ideas at the heart of everything we do
Positive relationships
Every child has a key person who looks after a small group, so they always have someone familiar who knows them well.
Enabling environments
Rooms and gardens set up so children can choose, explore and find things out for themselves.
Learning and development
Experiences that are challenging but achievable, planned around what each child is ready for next.
Watching, wondering, planning
We follow each child’s lead
Our practitioners watch what each child is interested in and what they can do, then plan the next step. They join in with play sensitively, ask questions that get children thinking, and model the words children need.
Photos, observations and achievements go to you on the Famly app, so you can see your child’s progress and carry on the learning at home.
- WatchWhat is your child interested in today?
- WonderWhat are they ready to try next?
- PlanSet up play and activities to stretch them.
- ShareTell you on Famly, so learning carries on at home.
The seven areas of learning
Everything children learn, through play
In our Caterpillars department, each room focuses on one of these areas, so children can free-flow between them and choose what they want to explore.
Communication & language
Stories, songs, chatting with friends and adults who model new words.
Physical development
Climbing, balancing, running in the garden, and the fine skills of drawing, threading and pouring.
Personal, social & emotional
Making friends, taking turns, understanding feelings and growing in confidence.
Literacy
Sharing books, mark-making and, as they get older, learning letters and sounds.
Mathematics
Counting, shapes, sorting and measuring, in play and in everyday routines.
Understanding the world
Growing food in the allotment, outings in the community and finding out about people and places.
Expressive arts & design
Painting, messy play, music, building and imaginative role play.
Growing up with us
Learning that grows with your child
0–24 monthsLadybirds
Settling in with a key person who learns your baby’s routine, plus sensory, messy and outdoor play on our own astroturf garden.
2–3 yearsCaterpillars
Six rooms, each focused on an area of learning, with lots of choice, free-flow play and support with toilet training and independence.
3–5 yearsButterflies
Structured and child-led learning, a computer room, and our school readiness programme run by our school readiness co-ordinator.
Activities
A few of our favourite things
Digging in the sandpit
Mud pies in the mud kitchen
Planting fruit, vegetables and sunflowers
Messy and sensory play
Construction and building
Our pre-school computer room
Stories and songs
Outings in the local community