In pre-school, children are encouraged to become more independent and there is a strong focus on learning through play. Activities we do cover many aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and may include:
- introducing new painting techniques such as splatter painting, food printing, marble painting, string painting, icing sugar painting or bubble painting.
- a guided walk to observe things in the natural environment and focus on shape, texture, smell, size, colour or changes that are occurring and gathering things to create a picture.
- using digital cameras; for example, when exploring emotions.
- gardening – growing various vegetable and plants, and looking after them.
- creating dens using blocks, cardboard boxes, blankets and sheets.
- developing spatial awareness by creating obstacle courses.
Pre-school children have lots of opportunities to practice their emergent reading and writing skills by ensuring each play area offers experiences embedded in their play. For example, in our construction area they can draw their building and staff will support them in labelling or writing about their building; they might make flags and signs to use with their block buildings; and in the creative area there will be paper and pens for them to write prescriptions, draw up shopping lists, create menus, and much more.
Keyworkers
In order to ensure continuity of care, each child is allocated a member of staff as a Keyworker. As a result of observing your child's day-to-day activities, your Keyworker will have a detailed knowledge of your child's progress and developmental needs, and therefore can plan and provide for these needs. Your Keyworker will keep a record of achievements that will follow your child throughout their time at the Centre. This will contain art work, photographs, and observations of what your child did and what they said. All records are available for the parents to look at.
Starting school
As your child matures we will support them in preparing for school. Your child will be encouraged to be more independent in setting up and tidying away their play and to undertake specific tasks following simple instructions. We will talk to your child about their new school and share stories and experiences (for example, from visits to school) to make the transition as exciting as possible, while recognising that for some children it may also be a time of anxiety.
Towards the end of the summer, we hold a graduation event for our pre-school children who are due to go to school in September. This is undertaken in full graduation gowns and is always a very proud and special moment for the staff and parents.
