0-2 Year

Sunbeams

The Sunbeam Room follows a flexible, child centred routine, easily adaptable to incorporate each individual child’s personal routines and needs. These unique routines and needs are discussed during registration and the settling in process.

The ratio is one member of staff to three children and each child has an allocated key person. Daily diaries are used to record sleeps, nappy changes, food eaten and activities enjoyed. The daily diaries are as much for parents/carers as for practitioners. It is fantastic if you can give us some information about how your child has spent their time with you, achievements they have made as well as any notes or messages you may have.

The provision is set up to be easily accessible to the children so that they can enjoy and discover during free play. The areas of provision are observed by the practitioners during ‘time samples’ where we observe how the children are using the areas and ascertain if any changes or enhancements can be made. This is a continual process which ensures that the room is always suited to the children’s needs and interests. The outdoor play area is a reflection and continuation of the indoor space. The process for planning and provision is mirrored outdoors.

Exciting and stimulating activities are planned according to the children’s interests and developmental stages. Some of the activities carried out with the children include:

Sensory Play

Sensory play supports children’s exploration and investigation. The children are able to learn and develop by using materials in new and different ways. Materials and objects can be manipulated in different ways giving a greater understanding of cause and effect. There is no focus on an end product so children have the freedom to explore in their own way. Sensory activities include, shaving foam play, body paining, tissue paper play, shredded paper, water, baked beans, jelly, sand and rice play. Any activity that engages, encourages exploration and also helps to develop and improve gross and fine motor skills, co-ordination and concentration; both independently and in shared one to one sessions.

Heuristic Play

Heuristic play enables children to explore natural objects. Children can investigate filling, stacking and combining different materials. Their curiosity is supported as they investigate. The objects provide limitless open ended play. Items used for heuristic play include; boxes in different size, tubes, curtain rings, shells, corks, chains, hair and rollers to list a few.