Young
children learn through play, through 'doing' and through
practical activities that have interest and relevance
to them. The Nursery, both inside and out, is set
up to encourage the children to make choices within
a carefully structured environment.
Child
initiated play provides opportunities to develop children's
curiosity and interests at a pace relevant to the
individual. It develops self-esteem and motivation
making them more effective learners. It also encourages
children to build up an understanding of appropriate
and responsible use of time. During Free play each
Nursery Nurse will be working within a play area helping
children with their games and supporting them in the
choices they make.
Children
start to learn about the world around them from the
moment they are born.
The care and education offered by The Blue Door Nursery
helps children to continue this learning by providing
all of the children with interesting activities that
are right for their age and stage of development.
For children between the ages of 3 and 5 years, we
provide a curriculum for the foundation stage of education.
This curriculum is set out in a document published
by the Department for Education and Skills called
‘Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation stage’.
The Blue Door Nursery follows this guidance. Group
time activities revolve around a half-termly topic.
They focus on the six key areas of learning. During
Group time staff plan towards the children achieving
specific learning intentions within the following
areas:
> Personal, Social, Emotional
> Creative
> Mathematics
> Knowledge and Understanding of the world
> Communication, Language and Literacy
> Physical
For the under 3’s the planning is still topic
based and follows the National Birth to three matters
programme. Activities are planned carefully to reflect
the ages and capabilities of the children involved.
Within
Group time the following activities might be suitable:
> Painting
> Sticking and Cutting
> Junk modelling
> Soft play
> Nature trails in the garden
> Parachute games in the garden
> Music and movement
>
Singing and playing instruments
> Listening to stories
> Making books
> Puzzles and games
> Creating road maps for playing with cars
> Building camps and structures to test materials
> Sand and water play
...the list is endless!
As a nursery we believe in learning through play.
In Group time the children will appear to be (and
will think they are) playing! Our key workers will
be making observations and recording information that
will show the development of each individual. If a
child does not want to participate in Group time sessions
Free play activities will always be available - although
the intended activities are carefully planned to appeal
to all the children.