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Nursery Description

In the Nursery class at Chesterhouse the focus is to have fun and learn through play. Our aim is to create well rounded children through developing all the different learning areas. As this is often the first step away from home we try to make this a nurturing, yet challenging environment.Teaching specific skills are of high importance as they are the building blocks of your child’s future school career. Children are challenged to be creative, active learners as this is how the young mind acquires knowledge. Personal and social development: We believe that independence is an important aspect of a child’s development and getting along with others. We learn to share, care and make friends. Physical development: There is a strong focus on the growth, development, control and movement of the body. We develop basic movement abilities which are crucial for further development and learning in the classroom. Children need to become aware of the space they move in and to control their bodies. Fine motor skills are developed through clay play, cutting, threading, construction, sand & water play, painting and creative activities. Children are encouraged to use fat, thick drawing materials and to take part in many cutting exercises. Language development: Language skills involve talking skills and listening skills with the focus on developing children’s language competence. They are exposed to different books, stories and rhymes which provide a variety of language experiences. We combine Letter Land and Jolly Phonics. This helps the children to learn the sounds of the alphabet in a fun and active way. Mathematical development: Mathematical skills involve shape & space, awareness of numbers & patterns, sets and sorting. Children develop counting skills through number songs, rhymes and stories. Knowledge and understanding of the world: Children are more aware of the world around them, the environment, people and features of the natural and man-made world. We look at patterns, differences and changes in the environment and develop a concept of time. Creative development: Nursery provides an opportunity for children to explore and experiment creatively which enables them to use their imagination and express ideas and feelings in a variety of ways. Imaginative and dramatic play allows children to develop the ability to use symbols and they learn about social roles and they become more aware of themselves. They have an opportunity to listen to music, respond to music and make music and to become personally involved to develop their own concept of music.