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Structure of the Day

The structure of the day has been chosen to give children a broad range of opportunities and stimulating activities. There are times for them to make their own choices and times for them to follow an adult’s lead; times to play together and times to play alone; times to be quiet and times to make a joyful noise; times to be active and times to rest and reflect. Any of these activities can, and do, take place indoors or outdoors and often flow between the two. Hence in the following pages there is no mention of outdoor or indoor learning.

Our routine reflects the needs of each child. During the early part of the morning the children are able to spend an appropriate amount of time at each activity. Hence the older ones can engage in an activity for much longer than the younger children. We offer a balance of child-initiated, or child-led learning with some adult led activities. This gives children the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills.

Free play

Children coming in to free play have the time to settle into an activity of their choice at their own pace. A wide range of activities are provided during free play, some very open-ended, some very imaginative and some more clearly defined. There will be sand or water play, large and small construction, fine motor activities, puzzles, games, role-play, small world play, free painting, free mark making activities, art activities and a malleable activity, as well as others. There is also a quiet corner with a carpet and cushions where children can relax, enjoy a book, or spend some quiet time with their friends. The activities are balanced to provide a range of learning and play opportunities which;
Stimulate and encourage children to explore freely and safely
Develop their self-confidence, self-esteem and skills for learning.
Cover all areas within the Early Learning Goals
Meet the developmental needs of the children attending that session

From free play, children access creative opportunities, adult-led structured activities and snack. This flexible approach allows children the time and space to engage fully with the activities on offer. Some of the older children for example are able to spend up to an hour on an activity, a detailed construction or art work, exhibiting their creativity and imagination, problem solving skills, communication and maths skills and their pleasure and determination in completing it to their own satisfaction.

Tidy Up

All the children help to tidy up and are encouraged to take care of the resources and their environment. The storage trays and boxes are labelled with pictures and words, and are stored at appropriate heights and locations to enable the children to participate fully. Keyworkers supervise this activity closely, encouraging participation, independence and self-discipline.

Eurythmy

This is a set of exercises, using bean bags (or beanie toys!), which focus on movement, rhythm and direction to develop both gross motor and fine motor skills. They help children develop movement patterns, curves and straight lines, to cross the midline, and learn to distinguish between up/down and left/right. All of these activities develop skills that underline the process of reading and writing.

Gross motor activity

The gross motor activity can take place inside or outside, can be very noisy and energetic or can be quiet and controlled! The activities on offer enable children to develop control of their bodies in a safe and stimulating environment. Activities vary each day and might include dance, music and movement, activity tapes such as Tumble Tots, use of climbing frame and/or balancing equipment, cars and bikes, skittles, balls and bats, stilts, running games and team games and the use of the parachute. Maths games and language games are also included.

Snack Time

This is an important social occasion, where we share milk and juice, fruit and a savoury snack. The children are supported during snack time to provide appropriate role models. As the children develop, their independence is encouraged, for example pouring their own drinks, handing around the snack, stacking the beakers and clearing the table.

Circle Time

Circle time provides an opportunity for children to interact in a larger social group. Activities cover the complete spectrum of Early Learning Goals. They are often active social occasions and encourage positive interactions and participation. Examples of circle time vary from acting out a familiar story, sharing our news from home, welcoming a visitor to pre-school, finding out about the world around us, playing a sound game in support of phonic awareness, to working together to problem solve or create something.

Structured Activity

During the structured activity the children are usually in small groups. An adult will have planned an activity specifically tailored to meet the developmental needs of the children in during that session. These activities are fun; usually play based activities that are designed to enable the children to develop and progress. The activities may reinforce an area of specific need or challenge an area of strength, but will always be achievable.

Story Time

Story time is usually at the end of the morning session. As well as stories it includes songs, poems and rhymes, using puppets and props, big books and book/story bags.

There are opportunities for joining in and times when the children are expected to listen. We also use the story square technique where children have an active role in telling the story and where they can retell their own stories.

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