_JPG.jpg)
The Downstairs Kindergarten
This kindergarten group is for children aged between three and six, and is open on Mondays-Thursdays 9am-3pm, and on Fridays 9am-1pm. The group is supervised by a teacher and an assistant teacher. The rhythm of the day, the week and the seasons gives form and structure and promotes a sense of security and self-confidence.
Our Daily Rhythm
Working within a strong and regular rhythm promotes a sense of security and self-confidence. The rhythm of the day, the term and the seasons gives form and structure so that the young child knows what to expect.
Arrival time ~ 9:00 am
The children are welcome to join in the morning activity or to help with the daily preparation of snack, and then join their friends in free, creative play.
Circle Time
We join hands and have circle time where we move together to sing songs, have stories and games, all learned through imitation. Finger games and counting rhymes continue whilst the children take turns to go to the toilet and wash their hands with the assistant.
Snack Time
We sit at the table to enjoy a healthy snack that the children have helped to prepare. We use organic ingredients whenever possible. During this time there is an opportunity for the children to share their news and listen to each other.
Garden Time
We get ready to play in the garden spending an hour outside, whatever the weather. We have a mud kitchen, a play house, a sandpit, there is a raised bed to tend to and plenty of space for the children to explore.
Story Time
We finish the morning with story time. The teacher knows the story by heart and it is repeated daily for the course of the week so that the children can begin to truly understand it. Stories are chosen carefully around the seasons and carry themes that will support the children’s social and emotional understanding. On special weeks puppet plays will be performed for the children with the eldest children taking part in helping.
Home Time ~ 1:00 pm
At 1:00 we will then say our goodbyes to those children not staying for the afternoon.
Afternoon, 1pm - 3:00pm
Lunch Time
Children staying for the afternoon will have a home cooked vegetarian meal. We use organic ingredients whenever possible.
Rest Time
The children will have a short rest time with books while the teacher quietly plays the lyre.
Free Play
Children lead imaginative play inside or outside. Drawing and crafts are also provided.
Home Time
At 3:00pm we will sing our goodbyes and all go home.
Our Weekly Rhythm
Day | Activity | Snack | Lunch |
|---|---|---|---|
Monday | Painting | Sweet rice, fruit | Green pasta with broccoli and cheese, fruit |
Tuesday | Bread baking | Porridge, fruit | Brown rice with green beans and toasted seeds, soya sauce, carrot salad, fruit |
Wednesday | Modelling/seasonal craft | Bread and honey, fruit | Pasta with tomato sauce and cheese, fruit |
Thursday | Making soup
| Vegatable soup and rice cakes, fruit | Chickpea curry with basmati rice, vegetable sticks and fruit |
Friday | Modelling/seasonal craft | Apple crumble |
Carrots sticks and fruit are served with every meal.
Drinks available: Rosehip tea, water