We have been investing in our Early Years and Pre-Prep Provision and recent months have seen a redesign and an investment in new resources.
The summer months were exciting times in Early Years. Pre-Prep had a fresh new look, they had a coat of paint and, as many of you may have noticed, a redesign inside. Most noticeably is our book area, which is now situated in a quiet cosy corner where our children can properly experience books at their leisure, promoting the value and pleasure of reading and further developing listening, writing, literacy and social skills. Story sacks containing, CDs and puppets have proved to be a super success in this early part of the term.
The home corner has had some new additions of play food, a kettle and crockery and we bought new dressing up outfits that have promoted imagination and creativity.
Mr Davies, Mrs Pratt, Mrs Singer, Miss Sadlers and Mrs Buckley have reflected on your children’s interests from last term and have refreshed the continuous provision with a variety of new toys including, a dolls house, castle, rocket ship, small world figures, LEGO, art easel and water tray to name but a few. A particular emphasis has been made on buying new resources to support mathematics, number, shape, space and measure.
New initiatives that further promote our partnership with parents have also been introduced, with parents being asked to share significant, exciting and new events that have been part of their child’s life outside of Pre-Prep. We call them ‘Proud Moments’. Many thanks for your overwhelming contributions so far this term, the children have thoroughly enjoyed regaling us with their stories of home life.
The Nursery has really appreciated being a recipient of Parents’ Association and Ladies’ Committee funding. Before the Ladies’ Committee amalgamated with the Parents’ Association they donated £500. This money was divided equally between the Toddler Children (ages 2-3 years) and the Under 2s. As a result, the Toddler children now have a chalkboard and water tray for outdoor use. The Under 2s bought a climbing frame, that has provided endless hours of fun, challenge and risk-taking. This has been further enhanced in recent weeks with artificial grass, bought from the funding from the Parents’ Association. This cushioned surface has given a more conducive environment for the babies to learn to crawl and practice their balance and coordination skills required for walking. The artificial grass is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also has helped us create a more interesting play area, fostering children’s curiosity which is an important way of helping our youngest children become lifelong learners.
The Early Years staff would like to pass on their sincere gratitude for the support given to them by those raising money for the School.