Kindergarten
Ages 6 months to 18 months
Babies and their parents have a chance to settle in gradually to the routines of the Kindergarten. There are two key people with special responsibility for a maximum of six babies every day, allowing them to build a relationship with and understanding of the babies in their care. A wide variety of activities, offered throughout the day, encourages each child’s all-round development. These include play opportunities with paint, sensory activities, investigative and activity toys. The children also have opportunities to join in singing and storytelling sessions, as well as outdoor play.
Ages 18 months to 2 years
In the Toddler Room, the variety of activities and experiences broadens as the children are offered greater opportunities for becoming engaged and involved both within the Kindergarten and in our specially designed garden outside. Their activities include discovery play, singing and stories in small and large groups, creative art and sensory play. A daily routine such as regular meal times and an after-lunch nap in the sleep room provide a positive sense of structure. This gives the children a safe and secure base from which they can take full advantage of their environment and all it offers. Each child’s key person plays an integral part in guiding and supporting them throughout their time in the Toddler Room, observing and planning activities for each child around their developing interests as well as offering new experiences.
Ages 2 to 3 years
Children in the Duckling Room celebrate their third birthday during their year in Ducklings. Some children move up from the Toddler Room and some join the Kindergarten at this stage. In the Duckling Room the children are given a wide range of opportunities to practise, expand and develop their pre-school skills through both planned and spontaneous play and child initiated and adult led activities. Each child’s progress is individually assessed through observation to ensure that the activities given to them are appropriate and stimulating with next steps for learning planned and implemented. Opportunities to use a wide range of equipment and tools are provided throughout the day, including creative expression with a variety of painting and art materials which helps to develop fine motor skills.
Learning opportunities in the Duckling Room encourage a sound knowledge and understanding of concepts such as number and shape along with a constant strengthening of key personal, social and emotional skills, including independence, confidence, self motivation, concentration, turn-taking and sharing. Staff engage fully with the children in both focused and free play activities, providing them with the support and stimulation to ensure they become interested learners, competent communicators and creative thinkers.
