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Nursery

 

We hope that your child will be very happy at our nursery and will find learning fun and exciting. Here are a few practical details but please ask if there is anything else you would like to know. Each child is offered 5 sessions that run for 2 ½ hours. They will be able to attend either the morning sessions or the afternoon sessions. The nursery sessions run each week day from 9.00 – 11.30 a.m. and 12.50- 3.20 p.m.

 

 

Wrap around Care runs from 9.00 until 3.30 if you require all day care for your child. Before and After school care runs to provide care for children from 8.00- 9.00 and 3.30- 5.45pm. More info here

 

 

Your child will be provided with a book bag and they will be able to borrow a book from the nursery each day at the start of their session. They will need to bring a piece of fruit with them each day to eat at snack time, water or milk (children choose) are provided free of charge, they will also need to bring a pair of wellington boots and a change of clothes.

 

Each week we hope to cook with the children- half the children 1 week the other half the next. To cover costs we ask for 50 pence per week or £6 for a whole term.

 

 

Our Philosophy

 

In the Foundation stage here in Appledore, we believe that children learn through play and first hand experiences. We plan around a theme to ensure that there are a wide range of activities available . There is a balance between  directed tasks and free chosen activities. The children are encouraged to talk about their home life and experiences  and to contribute to the current topic. We encourage them to enjoy friendships , to build relationships  and to see themselves as part of the school and wider community. Our primary aim is for children to enjoy learning so that they continue to be learners for life.

 

Visual Timetable

We have a timetable by the entrance that will tell you what we are doing that day.
A typical day could go as follows;

 

Areas of the Curriculum

 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

This area covers their attitudes to learning, the development of their relationships with others, their self awareness, self control and self help skills. They will be encouraged to play and learn about the things that interest them and to persevere at tasks. Children are encouraged to form friendships with the other children in the setting. Initially they will notice other children, they will start to play alongside particular children and this will lead to co-operative play.

 

Communication. Language and Literacy

Language for communication- to explain and share ideas.
Language for thinking- how children can use talk to recall and recreate events and talk through what is happening.
Linking sounds and letters- how words are made up of different sounds, how some words rhyme and start with the same sound.
Reading- knowing about books and how stories work.
Writing and handwriting- initially whole arm movements to finger control.

 

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

Learning about numbers, counting, shapes, measuring, sorting and space and about how to solve problems.
We learn through play, games, rhymes and stories.
We explore patterns and make connections
Counting and number problems are part of the daily routine while problems are posed for the children to solve.
We encourage children to ask.

 

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

This area covers a wide range of aspects, including;

· Exploring and investigating the world

· Designing and making things

· ICT- computers, Pixie, tape and CD players

· An understanding of cultures and beliefs

· A sense of time

· A sense of place

 

Physical Development

Children are encouraged to develop their physical skills and to be aware of how to keep their bodies healthy.
The aspects for learning are;
· movement

· A sense of space

· health and bodily awareness

· using tools and materials

 

Creative Development

Children's creativity is encouraged in all areas of the curriculum.

The aspects of learning are;

· Exploring media and materials

· Music

· Imagination in role play and small world play,   telling stories, art design and dance

· Responding to experiences and expressing and communicating ideas

 

Preparing your child

 

Please make sure your child understands the following;
· That you are leaving, but will be back

· Encourage your child to be as independent as    possible using the toilet

· They will have to chare and take turns with other children

· That they can tell / show an adult if they;

· Need something

· Are upset

· Know someone has taken something

· Have been hurt

· It would be helpful for your child to be able to put on their coat, socks and shoes without help

 

Before your child starts at nursery we like to visit you at your home so that we can get to know you both.

 

This is an opportunity to tell us about your child, their strengths, likes, interests and favourite play. It is also a time for you to tell us about any health or other concerns that you have that might affect their time at nursery.

 

Moving on to reception class- children will spend time in the reception class in the term before they move on and will have different opportunities to meet the reception teacher Mrs Morris.

There will be information evenings and move up days to give you the information you will need before the

children transfer into main school.

 

Childrens Comments