Activities

All activities are planned to help children to learn through play and to promote development of skills and concepts in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. We encourage language development in all areas – this is vital for later learning.  Activities are planned around half-termly, seasonal topics. A variety of the following activities is for children to choose from each session in the classrooms and in the garden. One activity may integrate several skills and areas of learning.

Mark making

A table set aside where children can choose from a selection of different papers, pens, pencils or crayons to develop their drawing, mark-making and writing skills.

Mathematics

Activities, toys and games are set out to promote children’s mathematical awareness.  Subitising and other mathematical skills are also promoted during many other activities.

Games and puzzles

A wide range of puzzles and games are available to help children develop their language and turn-taking skills as well as developing fine-motor skills, eye-hand co-ordination and matching skills.

Craft area

In this area, children can take part in a wide range of activities such as clay, collage, model making, printing, group displays, painting and much more.  Children are encouraged to produce their own work and this is always valued.

Role play

An area where children can develop their imaginations, social and communication skills, and explore different occupations and scenarios by dressing up and playing out familiar situations such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, doctors’ rooms, etc.  The area may also be adapted to fit in with our current topic.

Book corner

This is a quiet, comfortable area where children may share a book with a friend or adult, read to themselves or listen to a tape or CD.  

Construction

We use various construction toys including Duplo, bricks, mega blocks, wooden bricks, Mobilo, popoids and magnetic shapes to help children develop an understanding of how things fit together, shape, space (2D and 3D) as well as eye-hand co-ordination. Outside children can create large constructions using large wood, foam or plastic blocks and bricks.

Sand and water

These are available at each session for sensory play. Children may experiment and develop skills and concepts relating to science and mathematics.  

Sensory play

Playdough, jelly baths, flour, rice, cornflour gloop and more can be available to help children develop fine-motor manipulation and explore textures and smells. These activities are excellent for tactile play and stress relief. 

Garden

The garden presents a range of equipment set out for children to develop their physical skills, as well as other activities such as gardening, woodwork, role play, mark making, etc. The garden has a canopied area and all-weather playground and we endeavour to cover the entire Early Years Foundation Stage in outdoor activities, which is especially good for children who are happier outside. We also have a vegetable garden where children are taken in small groups to plant, care for and harvest fruit and vegetables. 

PE

We have use of the school hall each week, where children may take part in PE consisting of music and movement, games, obstacle courses and so on.

Circle time

Circle time is held every day and is a time when children and adults come together as a whole group to listen to and join in with stories, rhymes, music and songs, to share their experiences, celebrate special days and talk about what they have been doing.