Daily Routine
The daily routine changes with the seasons and weather and the children’s interests. We try to do all that is in the daily planning and carry out the same routine, however the times and routine may change.
We aim to do the following routine and fit in special treats, walks and events to suit the children attending.
8.00 – 9.00 Breakfast Club.
9.00 Children are greeted at the front of the school.
9.10 – 9.30 Register time
9.30 – 10.30 Free play inside with groups outside.
10.40 – 11.00 Hall time in the school. (optional seasonal)
11.00 – 11.30 Outside play
11.40 – 12.00 Story time, discussion and songs
Good bye to morning session
12.00 – 1.00 Lunch time
1.00 – 1.30 Register time and hello to afternoon session
1.30 – 2.30 Free play both in or out (small groups)
2.30 – 2.50 Story time and goodbye
3.00 – 5.30 Goodbye to afternoon session, hello to afterschool.
Facilities
Little Room
The little room offers care for children aged two to three years. The room is at the back of the setting and has access to the toilets and outside facilities.
The room is set up to enable the children to be independent with their choices, whilst accommodating sleepers and children who require a rest in the afternoon.
The little room follow the same routine as the big room, however, the activities are differentiated to suit the needs and abilities of the younger children.
The children join the older children during hall time, outside and lunch time. In the afternoon depending on the children and their needs they will join the older children in the big room for the afternoon session.
The little room is also used for Early Talkers and POPAT group that runs for a 11 week programme.
Big Room
The big room offers care for children aged three to four years. The room is open planned to enable children to make choices with their play and resources. Where possible the room is set up with the following –
Role play area
Creative area
Carpet and book corner area
Construction area
Mark making area
Playdough and sensory area
The areas are defined within the room to allow free flow. We feel it is important to define the areas as this enables children to plan their learning through play.
Hall
We have use of the school hall during the morning session, which allows us to provide the opportunity to explore and develop our large muscle groups. This also supports the children when they attend school as they feel comfortable within the school environment. During our time in the hall we do dance sessions, games, yoga and obstacle courses. The hall is also used for our Christmas Concert and Graduation Party.
Outside
We have a small fenced off area within the school grounds. The area is set up with a kitchen, mark making area and water area. To develop the children’s gross motor skills we have full use of the playground and use the area to run around and use bikes and scooters. Using the playground enables the children to socialise and play alongside the children within the school as we work well to work around each other. Children who attend the setting find the transition from preschool to school less traumatic during playtime as they are very familiar with the school environment prior to starting school.
Forest School
Forest Play is a fun and exciting opportunity to connect with nature and the environment through planned activities based around the children’s interests and previous experiences. We encourage children to lead their own learning and to explore natural objects to enhance imagination, self-confidence and develop a sense of belonging by becoming a resilient individual. Children are also supported to develop the skills to assess their own risks so they become confident in their capabilities. We offer 6 weekly morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesdays so children have the chance to experience Forest Play in the setting. Our Forest School site is currently based within the Preschool garden with the opportunity to explore a section of the school’s ‘wild’ area too.
An example of some activities provided are;
Natural object exploration – pine cones, leaves, trees, conkers etc. (season dependent)
Leaf printing
Mud kitchen play
Tool development – peelers, hammers, secateurs (tool’s fully risk assessed)
Developing identification skills
For more information a Forest School handbook is available onsite for you to access.
Transition into School.
Children who attend the setting will be supported to move into reception, throughout the summer term. We attend concerts and assemblies and during the last few weeks of school we have lunch in the school hall. The teachers of Holmer Academy visit the setting and have detailed written transfer documents to support your child.