Each child will have their own keyworker, who is the person that helps those children in the group feel safe and cared for. The keyworker holds responsibility for those children within their keyworker group; meaning that they will know the most about that child and hold a special relationship with them, they will liaise and build a relationship with the child’s parents, they are responsible for ensuring that the child is making progress within their learning, and for ensuring that the child’s care is tailored to meet their individual needs.
Pedagogy is the understanding of how children learn and develop, and the practice through which we can enhance that process. It is rooted in values and beliefs about what we want for children and supported by knowledge theory and experience. Therefore, during their time in the den, we provide as many appropriate opportunities as possible through a play-based approach for children to engage in sensory activities as well activities which help develop their personal, social and emotional skills, their communication and language skills and physical development; known as the prime areas within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Embedding these skills at an early age can help support the process of lifelong learning, also making it an easier transition for the child when starting nursery education. Children are given opportunities at every turn to build relationships with other children and staff. We give children real experiences where possible for example cutting up fruit, using real-sized resources and caring for animals such as our giant African land snail and our chickens. We encourage children to manage and take risks. We support children in their ideas and theories and in their exploration and experimentation.
Den Environment
Paid childcare is available from 7.30am-6.00pm. We also offer 30 hour places for working parents and free education for 2 year olds if you claim certain benefits. You can find further information here… https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds-claim-benefits
Den 2-3’s Routine
| 7.30am – 8.30 am | Breakfast then free play |
| 8.45am – 9.00 am | Welcome children in: Children are greeted into the den by their key worker, where we offer a child led play start to the session to allow children to settle back into the familiarity of nursery. |
| 9.15 am | Key family group time or planning groups: (Monday and Wednesday) We split into small groups of children for a focused but fun music and movement session, led by key workers. This gives children the opportunity to explore moving their bodies and develop their physical skills. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) This is our gathering time where children and staff all join together to share what has been happening at nursery in recent days. Staff bring visual provocations to prompt recall and conversation amongst the group; we aim through this for children and staff to work together in planning next steps for children’s learning and extending learning from the previous day. |
| 9.30 am | Child led play across all areas of provision |
| 10.15 am | Free flowing Snack |
| 10.30 am | Personal care’s |
| 11.20 am | Tidy up time then piazza: This is an important part of the session as it encourages children and staff to have respect for the Nursery environment, the resources and each other as they tidy up together. |
| 11.30 am | Core book story time and or music and movement |
| 11.40 am | Children wash hands for lunch if staying. |
| 11.45 am | Home Time for some and start of session for some. |
| 11:45 – 11:50 am | Lunch Time |
| 12.30 pm | Welcome afternoon children in |
| 1.00 pm | Personal Cares |
| 1.00 pm | Child led play across all of the provision |
| 2.00 pm | Free flowing Snack |
| 2.25 pm | Tidy up time |
| 2.35 pm | Piazza time |
| 2.45 pm | Home time / Adult led group time |
| 3.00 – 3:20 pm | Free play / tidy up time |
| 3.20 pm | Core book story time: Before the nursery day is over we move into smaller groups to concentrate on a focused story book and activities that staff have planned from children’s interest and needs around the story. |
| 3.30 pm | Home Time |
| 3.30 p.m. – 5.00 pm onwards / 5:00 pm close on a Friday | Free play / snack served at 4:30 pm. |