Activities

What happens at Pre-School?

Children start to learn about the world from the moment they are born and we believe that children learn most effectively through creative play.

We aim to help your child continue to learn by providing them with interesting activities that are suitable for their age and stage of development. For example:

  • Role play area
  • Table top activities e.g. puzzles, art & crafts
  • Small world play e.g. Playmobil, dolls
  • Outside play e.g. bikes, mud kitchen, water
  • Messy and sensory play e.g. foam, gloop
  • Adult led activities e.g. writing, sounds, counting
  • Group activities e.g. singing, story time, games

Pre-School Routine

We introduce the children to a simple routine, which helps children know what to expect and helps prepare them for school. However, every day at pre-school is different and we allow lots of room for making choices throughout the day. We also go on trips in our local area (with parental permission), which helps us build links with the community.

A typical Pre-school day might be:

  • Morning Routine

    08:00

    We open, some children arrive for breakfast club.

    08:30 – 09:00

    Children are welcomed into the setting and can select various tabletop activities.

    09:05

    Short group time: Children and adults come together to say good morning and discuss what will be happening throughout the morning.

    09:15

    General play: Adult led and child initiated activities using both indoor and outdoor spaces.

    10:00

    Snack bar: A healthy snack of fruit and vegetables with a choice of milk or water.

    This is also an opportunity for the children practice their personal hygiene skills, interact socially and practice physical and independent skills.

    11:00

    Tidy up time: all children are given jobs to do and are encouraged to help.

    11:15

    Circle/small group time, this may include:

    • Singing/music activities
    • Stories
    • Phonic and/or number games
    • Small group discussion including show and tell

    11:30

    Playtime outside/Small group activities (Planned specific learning objectives for children).

    12:00

    Morning children are collected.

  • Lunchtime Routine

    12:00

    Children wash hands, find name card and sit at the table. Children and adults eat their packed lunches together.

    12:30

    Quiet reading / floor play to let food settle.

  • Afternoon Routine

    12:30

    Afternoon session children arrive.

    12:40

    Short group time: Children and adults come together to say good afternoon and discuss what will be happening throughout the afternoon.

    12:50

    General play: Adult led and child initiated activities using both indoor and outdoor spaces.

    13:45

    Tidy up time. All children are given jobs to do and are encouraged to help.

    14:10

    Snack bar:  A healthy snack of fruit and vegetables with a choice of milk or water.

    This is also an opportunity for the children practice their personal hygiene skills, interact socially and practice physical and independent skills.

    14:25

    Circle/small group time, this may include:

    • Singing/music activities
    • Stories
    • Phonic and/or number games
    • Small group discussion including show and tell

    14:35

    Playtime outside/Small group activities (Planned specific learning objectives for children).

    15:00

    Quiet tabletop activities and collect belongings ready for home time.

    15:30

    Parents/carers arrive to collect their children. Staff may use this time to discuss your child’s day.

    15:30 – 17:00

    After Pre-School club: children enjoy a small snack and drink and take part in an extra-curricular activity.

    17:00

    We close and go home for a well earned rest.

Food

We ask that children bring a packed lunch to pre-school with them if they are staying over lunchtime. Children and adults sit together to eat. We encourage a healthy lunch box but don’t mind the odd treat.

Children also have a morning and afternoon healthy snack (e.g. fruit). Water bottles are available throughout the day. Children who join us for breakfast and/or after Pre-school club can also have breakfast or a snack.

Learning at Pre-school: EYFS

We use the Development Matters document to plan exciting and stimulating activities for your child. More information can be found at the below sources:

The Early Years Foundation Stage

Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is divided into seven areas:
PRIME AREAS

1. Personal Social and Emotional Development

  • Making relationships
  • Self-confidence and self-awareness
  • Managing feelings and behaviour

2. Physical Development

  • Moving and handling
  • Health and self-care

3. Communication and Language

  • Listening and attention
  • Understanding
  • Speaking
SPECIFIC AREAS

4. Literacy

  • Reading
  • Writing

5. Mathematics

  • Numbers
  • Shape, space and measure

6. Understanding the world

  • People and communities
  • The world
  • Technology

7. Expressive Arts and Design

  • Exploring and using media and materials
  • Being imaginative
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