School Ready Sessions
Nicola, our Deputy and a Qualified Primary Teacher, delivers a group session each day for our children that will be going to school this year. It is an interactive and fun session, where children learn to write their names and develop pre-writing skills, they learn letters and sounds, shapes and numbers, they learn to count, compare, to use one handed tools- such as scissors, and enhance their knowledge of different events.
Core Word Programme
We develop children's communication and language skills by providing the Core Word Programme. Each week we introduce a new word and makaton sign. We read books, play games and sing songs to embed understanding and use of the new word . This programme was developed for Gestalt Language learners, however we find it supports the learning of all. It embeds the meaning of different words, extends children's vocabulary and provides children with an alternative way of communicating, whether they are not yet speaking or they may be anxious and not ready to communicate verbally.
Attention Autism
Attention Autism is a learning approach that aims to develop natural and spontaneous communication skills for autistic children through the use of visually based and highly motivating activities. At preschool we carry out Stages 1-3 once a child is ready. This takes place in small groups and we also carry out Stage 1 as a class, because they love it. Although this learning approach was created to support the needs of children with Autism, we have found it captures the attention of all. During Attention Bucket, children that do not often speak start communicating - by pointing to visuals, verbally or using makaton signs. It develops the confidence of others and encourages individuals to engage, when they may not have not done so previously. It also provides the perfect opportunity to introduce different activities on a small scale, enabling the children to develop new skills and enhance their play before trying it on a larger scale in the main hall.
Listening, focus and attention, patience and Turn Taking are also key skills to learn during these sessions.
Early Talk Boost
ETB is a programme developed to support children aged 3-4 years in enhancing their Communication and Language skills. It is a 9 week programme that takes place 3 times a week. Children are introduced to new stories, songs and the much loved character Tizzy the Tiger - that they all love. Each session children will take turns to carry out different activities to develop their listening, understanding and speech. Learning also continues at home and children take home a new Tizzy book each week to share with parents. We have 3 educators that are that are qualified to teach ETB. Please click on the link to find out more.
Spanish lessons
We are very lucky to have Spanish lessons once a week from our amazing Teresa. The children have the opportunity to learn greetings, colours, animals and so much more in a fun and interacting way.
Boogie Mites
Boogie mites offers children the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive songs with actions, props and instruments. Music is a fantastic way to encourage children to move their body to the beat. It enhances cognitive, emotional and physical development, and develops strong neuro connections across the whole brain, accelerating brain development and providing a foundation for future learning. Click on the link below to find out how Boogie mites can support your child's learning and how it meets the requirements of the EYFS and Birth to 5 matters.
Wellcomm
We use Wellcomm to assess and support all of our children, ensuring we plan effective next steps to develop their communication and langauge skills. This includes listening and Understanding, social communicational Skills and vocabulary. Wellcomm is a complete speech and language toolkit that supports screening and Intervention. With the long wait times to see speech and Language therapists, this toolkit enables us to act immediately and support children to enhance their learning skills straight away. this is a well known programme used nationwide and throughout schools- including the National Death Children's Society. Click the link to find out more.
Focused learning activities 1-2-1
We work with individuals in their play, provide the Curiosity Programme and carry out focused learning activities, developing listening, attention and response. We aim to engage and inspire learning from all children. We support children to develop independence, build relationships, support communication through speech, makaton, Communication Aided Boards and Visuals.