Our preschool unit is an environment prepared with child-sized furniture, an array of learning materials on shelves and children are free to move about while pursuing self-chosen activities working individually or in small groups.
The 3-5 year olds continue to learn within the three prime areas of learning outlined in the EYFS as Communication and Language development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Physical Development. Additionally, at this age we provide increasing emphasis on activities in support of the 4 specific areas of learning; Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.
Our Pre schoolers like their younger peers learn from the people around them and how they are attended to, the environment that they are in and the opportunities it provides. The key groups are larger, but both children and adults appreciate the relationship that key workers offer. By providing a warm, loving relationship they are a secure base, from which the child continues to explore with confidence. They continue to ensure that they gather information from you on your child’s needs, likes and dislikes, developmental stage and interests. We make sure that there is regular dialogue about each childs changing needs between the key worker and the family.
The Pre-Schoolers continue to be well supported by repetition and routine. Just as we do with our younger children we focus on group activities that support children to learn to share, take turns, listen and wait, with lots of adult support for managing disagreements over stuff and space. Larger groups and longer periods for focus are also explored as children become able to manage these.
The older children have short set times with the nursery nurses throughout the day to do focused activities to prepare and get them ready for school. Looking at letters and sounds, pencil control and circle times etc. During this time the younger children are able to explore their interests and learn new skills such as potty training which we will discuss with you when we all feel your child is ready.
