Preschool

The preschool room is accessed via a separate entrance secured with a keypad system which can be remotely operated by a member of staff in the room or opened from inside by pressing a button. This is the largest group in the nursery with a maximum of 24 children. They have their own toilet facilities off the hall and space to put their coats and bags within the main room.

The preschool has a separate room that acts as a library with space for group activities and small world play. There is a messy area for sand and water as well as creative activities. The preschool has a some small animals including sick insects and snails, which the children are encouraged to be involved in their care. We also periodically watch frogspawn turn into frogs and watch chicks and ducks hatch. Having ducklings in the water tray lends a whole new dimension to water play! We also have visits from outside agencies who bring other animals for the children to see and learn about.

The practitioners in this room organise wonderful activities reflecting the children's own interests and ideas. They will foster a desire to explore and experiment extending their learning through self- directed play. The children will be encouraged to learn phonics and purposeful mark making in preparation for more structured learning when they start school. There will be opportunities to use simple mathematical concepts during play extending their knowledge whilst having fun.

In the Preschool the children sometimes have the opportunity to take Old Bear home. He sits in the preschool watching what the children play and chooses someone to go home with. He takes with him a trunk with spare clothes and encourages the child and parents/carers to write in his book or take photos for the book. These adventures can be shared with other children at group time the following day.

Outdoors

The preschool has access to its own outside area where children can play and explore using a variety of resources.

Di our preschool leader is keen to offer Forest School sessions and we are developing 2 areas where these can take place. One area has some trees and we are hoping to fence it off and make a small enchanted forest. The other area is an open meadow with space for exploring minibugs, watching birds and other wildlife as well as making dens and trying woodcraft projects.