Happy Jays

Within the Centre children are cared for on the following basis:

Babies

Our baby rooms comprise well-equipped play rooms 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 (3-12 months) and Baby 2 (12-24 months). There is a separate sleep room for babies to use as well as changing facilities and good quality nappies are provided as part of our service to you.

Tweenies

Our tweenies (24 months to 30 months) have an excellent range of indoor and outdoor facilities available to them.

In this age range we gradually introduce a small amount of structure into children’s daily routine. This includes time for creative and 'messy' play activities with one activity quickly leading to the next to keep children both interested and stimulated.

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 (2½ - 5 years)

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.

What children learn

Children learn predominantly through play and our curriculum and daily activities are 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 tree 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 movement and painting.

Out of school and holiday club

For children aged 5 and over we operate a small out of school facility with collections by our staff from local primary schools. Breakfast before school and tea after school are also provided.

The children have their own ‘den’ fully equipped with a range of educational and recreational toys and games. During school holidays children are taken on.