Happy Jays

Within the nursery children are cared for in their individual rooms as follows:

Babies

Our two baby play rooms are well-equipped with plenty of space for rolling, crawling and learning to walk and provide a relaxed but stimulating environment. A great deal of time is spent giving babies loving care and attention with plenty of cuddles. The baby rooms comprise Baby 1 (3-13 months) and Baby 2 (13-20 months).

There is a separate sleep room for babies to use as well as changing facilities and good quality branded nappies are provided.

Tweenies

Our tweenies is split into two sections with Tweenies 1 introducing a small amount of structure into children’s daily routine. This includes time for 'messy' play activities with one activity quickly leading to the next to keep children both interested and stimulated as well as preparing them for Tweenies 2. Tweenies 1 comprises children aged 20-24 months and Tweenies 2 is for 2-3 year olds.

Tweenies 2 builds on the routine established and as well as creative and messy activities, time is set aside for staff and children to collectively read stories, sing songs and talk to each other. There is a quiet area set aside for children to have a nap if they so wish.

Pre-Schoolers

This section provides a smooth transition from being a cuddly Tweenie into a confident Pre-schooler. We prepare children for school by giving them a range of activities and lots of opportunities for meaningful learning through play with our qualified teacher and rising 5 activities.

There is a 'messy and wet' area with paints, sand and water as well as a 'home corner', table top activities and a quiet area for reading and relaxation with ICT computers.

Both Pre-school and Tweenies sections have their own self contained toilets and washing/changing areas and good hygiene practice is promoted with the children on a daily basis, including teeth cleaning.

What Children Learn

Children learn predominantly through play and our curriculum is designed to include all the areas of learning development included within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In simple terms this involves the following:

• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
  Children learn to recognise numbers and mathematical language, for example by using unifix, invicta logic people and duplo blocks in activities such as sorting, weighing, counting and calculating.
• Communication, Language and Literacy
  Children develop their vocabulary and written skills through recognition and board games, pencil control, Jolly Phonics and flashcards. Reading is developed through the Oxford reading scheme.
• Physical Development
  Children are encouraged in a wide range of both indoor and outdoor activities using the garden and play areas extensively.
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  Children participate in a wide range of activities from seed planting, using visual displays, cultural understanding, freezing and colouring waters, and through meeting special visitors to the nursery such as the local police officer, fire officer, Vet or dental hygienist.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  Children learn good manners, being independent and using their initiative and how to demonstrate care and consideration for others.
• Creative Development
  Children participate in all kinds of activities from art, singing, music, and painting.