Little Learners Nursery has been purposefully designed to create a warm and welcoming ‘home from home’ environment. Our aim is to provide a safe and secure place that is rich and stimulating. Each room has been carefully planned for the developmental needs of the children offering high quality natural resources that are easily accessible to children. We believe that children learn best from following their own interests, having first-hand, hands on experiences and the time to revisit and repeat aspects of their play, with the support of responsive adults.
The Baby Nest has a room for 9 babies. This is often the first real period of separation for babies and their parents, so the experienced practitioners offer sensitive support to ensure that the settling-in process is as relaxed and happy as possible. The cosy corner and cushioned area provide space for young babies to relax and view their environment as they begin to move and explore. The baby nest has a range of treasure baskets containing natural materials which provide opportunities for exploration and investigation to stimulate their senses. There is also a selection of these for parents to borrow and use at home. As babies pull to standing the low-level furniture means they can easily access the resources for themselves, increasing confidence and independence. There is a low tray where children can explore a range of different materials, including rice, pasta, water and gloop. Practitioners develop children's early communication by spending one-to-one time talking, singing and sharing books. Practitioners follow children's individual routines and rhythms throughout the day and the sleep room provides a quiet space for children to sleep when needed.
As children become increasingly mobile and more confident, they will move to The Snug which has room for 12 toddlers. The Snug has some similar learning zones to The Baby Nest for continuity, however, other resources such as the nursery gym offers children the opportunity to be adventurous as they explore stairs and practise climbing safely to help develop their physical skills. Around this age children may begin to display schemas (repeated patterns of play) as a way of understanding the world around them. For example, they may repeatedly fill a basket with items, carry them to another area and empty them out. The Snug has baskets and bags for transporting, fabric for enveloping and things that turn for rotating so that children can develop their individual schemas and critical thinking skills. Messy play is also an important feature of The Snug, as it provides children with an exciting tactile experience that ignites their curiosity and creativity. Although children wear protective clothing accidents do happen, so the best way to avoid becoming upset about getting messy is to send them in 'play clothes' so that they are not worried about getting 'dirty'. During their time in The Snug children's language is beginning to really develop. We want them to become fluent, so practitioners encourage this by playing alongside other children and 'chatting' about their activities.
Following their second birthday children become increasingly confident and the phrase 'I do it' becomes familiar. The Nook offers places for up to 16 children. Children have greater independence and periods of free flow play, allowing children to choose to play indoors or outdoors and become involved and develop their own interests with the support of practitioners. We have a range of resources such as playdough, books puppets, puzzles, musical instruments, small world equipment, construction toys. This helps children to develop their imagination skills. Furthermore, practitioners help children to develop high levels of respect for others, to share and take turns. Children are encouraged to practise doing things for themselves such as pouring their own drinks, putting on aprons and managing hygiene routines.
The Studio room is used in the mornings as a breakfast area and throughout the day for free flow rolling snack. It allows the children to pivot in and out of their play with little disruption to their learning and at their own pace. Children are encouraged to prepare their own snack by chopping up a selection of fruits and using utensils accordingly. The Studio is also used as a communication and language suite where we focus on listening and attention skills of the children as well as promoting positive speech development. The studio has been carefully designed to allow children to focus with a less stimulating environment minimalizing distractions and allowing the voice of the child to be heard. We aim to remove any barriers the children may face to their learning and promote academic and social progression in many areas of the curriculum. Small groups access the Studio to support the children’s needs and allows a quieter, more adult enhanced learning opportunity to those who are over stimulated so all children can have equal opportunities to learn and excel.
The 'vision and energy' of nursery owner and manager Marie Walker led judges to declare Little Learners the clear winner.
Healthy Schools is a joint Department for Education and Department of Health programme delivered by the local Healthy School Team. It recognises the link between health (physical, emotional and social) and achievement.
Little Learners Pre-School successfully translates theory into practice to provide children with stimulating experiences and innovative learning opportunities.
Business of the Year Award & Care Provider Of The Year A celebration of the best of businesses in our area. Categories that reflect the wide range of businesses that make up our economy.
Millie’s Mark is an exceptional achievement for a childcare setting, as it shows they are going above and beyond minimum requirements in keeping children safe.
