Personal, Social & Emotional
Group activities encourage children to work together, to share and take turns. Our dedicated team allow for the development of individual skills in understanding personal values and those of others.
Continuous provision allows a child to establish individual approaches to the range of activities that Barnston Buddies provides and a positive disposition to learning. Moral, cultural and religious issues are approached with understanding and sensitivity and children are offered opportunities to respond to their experiences of the world.
Communication & Language
We provide many opportunities and activities to develop children's speaking and listening skills. An environment rich in language is created to develop children's confidence and skills in expressing themselves whilst further opportunities are provided to support children whose home language is not English. Listening and attention are essential skills required to develop children's language and our practitioners are knowledgeable in nationally recognised programmes, such as 'baby sign', ‘ican’ and ‘Time to talk’ to enhance these skills.
Physical Development
Barnston Buddies is committed to promoting a positive attitude towards a healthy and active way of life. A range of equipment to support the development of co-ordination, mobility and an awareness of space are provided both indoors and out. These skills are further advanced through peripatetic teachers of physical activity who deliver a programme designed to develop gross and fine motor skills and teamwork whilst learning about how their bodies work and the importance of exercise.
As a health-promoting setting, children learn the benefits of a healthy diet when they reap the harvest of our very own vegetable garden.
Literacy
Our large selection of books, big books, story board and story sacks gives children an understanding of words and pictures and allows for recognition of letter formation. A love of books and stories, rhymes and poems and a growing interest in rhyming, alliteration, sounds and words is fostered through careful planning and encouragement from the pre-school team. Children's surroundings offer natural opportunities to look and learn about printed language, whilst materials are readily available for children to experiment with writing and making marks.
Mathematics
Provision is made to enable children to develop the skills to understand numbers, shapes, space and measures through a broad range of contexts. Practical activities, observing numbers and patterns in the environment and daily routines offer children the opportunity to begin to develop an understanding of simple mathematical concepts. Number rhymes, songs, counting games and books make learning an enjoyable experience where they can gain confidence in the use of these skills.
Understanding the World
Children build secure relationships in which they spontaneously discuss their homes, families, past and present and their environment. Our environment both indoors and outdoors allows an expanse of opportunity to stimulate children's interests and natural curiosity. A wide range of materials are available to challenge children to make choices for example in joining and constructing techniques. Technology, in the form of tablets, microphones, technological toys and interactive panels are available to support children's learning. Children begin to gain an understanding of the wider world through activities based on cultures and beliefs and the celebration of festivals such as Diwali, Chinese New Year and Holi.
Expressive Arts & Design
Self-expression through painting and drawing is encouraged, materials being available at all times. A roleplay area with dressing-up clothes, playhouse, kitchen etc. encourages children to play make-believe, developing imagination and the ability to communicate thoughts and feelings. Musical instruments are played both freely and rhythmically to music. Playdough, sand and water provides the opportunity to explore colour, texture and shape.