Learning environment
We are lucky to have a large and well equipped learning environment, which is carefully organised to invite children to explore all the different activity zones.
There are three classrooms - Robin, Kingfisher and Woodpecker - a library area as well as smaller rooms for smal group work. We have a Whiteboard for group teaching in Kingfisher and there are touchscreen computers for the children's use in Robin and Woodpecker
We teach children the importance of being independent and doing things on their own. Within the classroom and outdoor setting there is a range of equipment and materials that are available every day continuously for the children to independently access that they know how to use, know where to get it from and they know how to put it back independently.
Layered on top of the continuous provision are enhanced activities informed by what the teachers and key person learns about the children’s interests and their capabilities. The enhanced provision is planned and adapted to meet the needs of each individual child or group of children and will change regularly – often on a daily basis; it is this provision that supports the children to move on to the next stage in their development.
The environment is designed to support the children’s current interest and fascinations and gives the children opportunities to take risks and explore. Children develop their imagination and make learning connections through role play area and small world equipment and we also provide: construction equipment, malleable materials, musical instruments, art and design materials, IT equipment, opportunity for scientific investigation, sand and water play, and mathematical learning experiences.
Examples of different areas in the learning environment
Graphics
Mark making is the foundation of early writing. Providing a range of resources in an exciting environment will enable children to become confident writers. A well- resourced graphics area will enable children to apply their phonic knowledge to write words in ways that match their spoken sound. With the right stimulation children mark make in a developmentally appropriate way and begin to write words
Role play
Role play contributes to children’ healthy emotional development by enabling them to explore feeling and emotions through the context of pretend play. Children have a strong impulse to act out familiar activities; this helps them to make sense of themselves and their world.
Mathematical learning
Mathematical learning opportunities should be integrated in all aspects of provision. Play is the most important vehicle for helping children understand maths concepts for fostering positive attitudes to problem solving
Scientific and discovery
Scientific displays provide an insight into the current learning and celebrate children’s interests. Discovery activities encourage children to safely encounter and explore objects and natural materials using these skills. Children have a natural curiosity to explore, using both their physical abilities and their senses.
Small world
Children’s imaginative and language development are supported by small world play scenarios. Set up scenarios that reflect real life scenes to stimulate children’s independent play and curiosity.
Creative
Children start to express their thoughts and feelings through their creations. Free expression with an emphasis on process and exploration supports children’s problem solving skills and imagination through the tactile engagement of materials
Malleable materials
Malleable play promotes children’s natural curiosity. It allows children to use their senses to help them explore. Malleable play fosters imagination and allows children to experiment in an open ended way.
Outdoor play
Outdoor play and experiences are a very important part of the early years curriculum, giving children the opportunity to enjoy activities in a large space, develop their physical skills and imagination.
Because the children play outside every day, we ask that you provide a pair of wellingtons to be kept iin school so that activities can take place whatever the weather.
Our amazing outdoor provision provides an extra area for planned learning activities and has a place for children to ride, scoot and explore space. The large grassy area and digging plot encourages wildlife and nature exploration. The covered pond is home to newts and frogs. The beautiful trees provide the children with a wonderful experience of seasonal changes.
The outdoor playspace has exciting balance beams and a mini climbing wall, a pebble play area, covered sandpit, performance area a 'lookout lodge' and a den with a suncatcher roof. There is also a train, boat and pirate ship to encourage imaginative and creative play.
We have a large bike track for the children to pedal round on our robust trikes, tandem trikes and scooters.