Cocoons
This group is for toddlers – our little movers – and the emphasis in this area is fun, play and stimulation.
The children have access to a wide variety of toys and activities to promote the development of many skills appropriate to their needs. The room is spacious and laid out over two rooms with separate nappy changing facilities. Both rooms offer a wide variety of activities for the children with a range of messy and creative activities.
The Cocoons garden is extensive with a willow tunnel, large grassed area and orchard which the children love to run and explore in as well as a hard surface area for trikes, cars etc.
The children take great delight in the many musical activities on offer to them whether it be a physical dance activity or ‘singing and signing’ the many songs we share.
Butterflies
In Butterflies the aim is for our children to become more independent and to be safe, happy and stimulated in a challenging environment. Children at this age are going through a crucial stage of language development. The two rooms are spacious and during the lunch-time period one is transformed into a tranquil sleep-room, where children can rest/sleep for as long as their parent wishes.
We use a flexible approach to planning and an excellent balance between adult and child-led activities allows children to learn at their own pace. The staff are perceptive of children’s interests during self-initiated play and use questions to challenge the children’s thinking and developing language skills.
We try to blend free play with a sequence of structured activities that are carefully geared towards the needs of the children. At the same time we always respond to children’s choices and their own personal interests.
The outdoor area is a delight for the children to explore and investigate. They can often be seen in the willow tunnel, hiding in the orchard, climbing the steps to the slide or manoeuvring around and skilfully negotiating space successfully, adjusting speed or direction to avoid obstacles.