Welcome to the Caterpillars !
Our children’s ages range from 19-36 months. When these young children join us they discover an environment where they are introduced to a slightly more structured routine. The activities and themes are planned to encourage greater independence and offer new challenges and experiences through plenty of child-initiated and adult-led play to support their learning and development.
7.45 - 8.30 a.m.
Breakfast
8.30 - 9.30 a.m.
The combination of adult-led and child–initiated activities flow from the children’s interests and experiences. We enjoy lots of stories, both one to one with a carer and in small groups on the comfy sofa or in the book corner. An adult-led activity, which may be theme-related, will take place in the Conservatory or Studio. This is usually a creative or sensory experience with the adult observing and interacting with the children.
9.30 a.m.
At tidy-up time, all the children are encouraged to help tidy away to our special ‘tidy-up song’.
9.40 - 9.50 a.m.
Adult-led circle time. When taking the register, we encourage the children to answer to their name, to say hello to all their friends, waving when they hear their name. We always have a Rhyme of the Week and Book of the Week, which encourage communication and develop language and early literacy skills. We discuss topics such as the weather, we sing, count and use flash cards to recognise familiar objects.
9.50 a.m.
Snack time. Each child has a water bottle labelled with his or her name. They begin the day by identifying their bottle, which they then have access to all day. We discuss that day’s snack and learn to share and take turns as we pass the snacks round the table.
10.20 a.m.
Children are encouraged to tidy up after themselves, putting their water bottles into the tub and remembering to tuck their chairs back under the table as they leave to play.
10.20 - 11.00 a.m.
We go out into the garden to play. Before we go out, we encourage the children to find their own coats and shoes and to try and put them on, asking an adult if they need help. The children have access to a range of activities and resources and the adults are there to support them in all areas of the garden. Staff enhance the children’s learning through questions, encouragement and praise.
11.00 a.m.
Singing and story time while the children wash and dry their hands in preparation for lunch.
11.15 - 12.00 noon
At lunchtime the children sit down at the table with an adult. The meals are presented at the table in separate dishes and the children are encouraged to try the different foods.
12.00 - 2.00 p.m.
Sleep time
2.15 p.m.
Snack time
2.30 - 3.10 p.m.
Children are split into smaller groups to take part in a balance of child-initiated and adult-led play in the Loft Room, Play Place, Conservatory, Studio or Garden.
3.10 p.m.
Group time when we gather to wash and dry our hands.
3.15 p.m.
Teatime
4.00 p.m.
Child-initiated play until it is time for them to go home.