Kindergarten
The aim of the kindergarten is to guide children as they take their first steps towards learning and independence indoors and out.
We are really proud of our kindergarten building which opened in September 2021. It is a wonderful purpose designed space with oak flooring, wooden furniture and a calm and beautiful atmosphere. There are areas for block play, art and craft/cooking, role play, small world and quiet activity. It has its own kitchen area and a shared indoor space for yoga, music and movement as well as snack and lunches. Meals and snacks are taken at café style tables with flowers on the table. Children prepare their own fruit, make snacks like bread or muesli, and drink from real glasses.
Our Kindergarten is led by Amanda Lucy who is an experienced early years teacher and head of the Infant House for 2-7 year olds. The kindergarten takes children from 2 years old. We offer care from 9.15am to 3.00pm. The kindergarten team are experienced and well-qualified early years practitioners.
Froebel believed that from the beginning the child must be surrounded by kindness, understanding and beauty. We share this belief. We place a high importance on the Kindergarten environment. The use of natural materials and soft warm colours of natural wood and combine to provide a homely atmosphere. There is a calm unhurried feel to the Kindergarten which begins as the children listen to the sounds of relaxing music at candle time and carries on throughout the day.
In the Kindergarten we meet all the requirements of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Our play and other learning materials are mostly made of wood and other natural materials that allow for open ended play and the opportunity for each child’s imaginative and creative play to be set free. Outside is a lovely garden with areas for physical play with loose part materials, water play, a mud kitchen, a sandpit and allotment area.
The Kindergarten is run with a strong, Froebelian influence, where the belief is that, through engaging with the world, understanding unfolds. We value giving children opportunities for uninterrupted play as a way for children to learn and discover about the world around them.
The Kindergarten is housed in a purpose built building. The kindergarten also has a beautiful dining room with the rest of the classes in the Infant House. Snack time is taken at café style tables with flowers on the table. Children prepare their own fruit, make snacks like bread or muesli, and drink from real glasses.
“Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) make good progress from their individual starting points due to the high level of adult support and well-planned activities which reflect their individual needs and interests. As a result, all EYFS children, including those with SEND, achieve well so that most meet, and many exceed, the expected levels of development for their age.”