What does a day at East Peckham look like?
The children enter the setting via front door. Once inside, the children remove their outdoor shoes and change into
their indoor shoes then hang their belongings up. Staff will be there to offer a helping hand or word of encouragement.
The setting is set up to promote 7 areas of development and allow the children to be active learners whilst thinking
critically. There are always opportunities for mark-making, construction and imaginative play. The children are free to
make their own choices with what they play with. Your keyperson will then obtain observations on your child using their interests as a starting point. These observations are then written up as a ‘Settling in Observation’ and sent to you via email so you can share their learning journey.
Each term is split into different topics that support our curriculum. The topics are shared with you via class Dojo.
We start the day with circle time where we sing our ‘Good Morning Song’ and remind the children of the Scalliwags’
rules and boundaries. A visual timetable is used to allow the children to see what is in store for the day.
We try to use the garden every session whether it be for football, bug hunting, obstacle courses or bike riding. We are
incredibly lucky to have a large garden. The children love having a larger area to let off their steam and take
appropriate risks. Once a week we accompany the children to Forest School at East Peckham Primary School. Parents will be advised of the two-hour slot details when they initially register with us.
Throughout the session there are adult led activities alongside the free play to ensure your child’s development is
challenged but still meets their individual needs.
The children are working towards being independent and school ready. This is achieved by some of our activities being run in small, adult led groups. This provides the children with opportunities to develop their listening skills whilst lengthening the amount of time they can hold their focus. Children are taught to share using a timer. This way they use
the timer as a visual and take ownership of being able to share and ask for a toy.
During snack we use Makaton signing with the children. We use the signs for words such as please, thank you, more and help. Their Makaton knowledge is extended by using signs to describe their feelings such as happy, sad or angry. They will be showing these off to you in no time!
Before home time, we sit for circle time and end the session with our ‘Goodbye Song.’ Activities vary from ring games,
listening and copy me activities, stories, dancing and singing.
Children are collected and dropped off via the front door, any changes to the normal drop off or collection need to be
notified in advance via phone or email.
Snack at East Peckham
The children are offered snack in both the morning and afternoon session. This is run as a group activity which allows us to promote heathy eating and offer discussion on choices or where food comes from. There is a weekly menu displayed on the noticeboard.
What will my child need for a day at East Peckham?
- A drink bottle with an easy open spout containing water.
- Indoor shoes (plimsoles or slippers with a rubber base).
- Wellington boots in the autumn & winter terms as well as a warm coat.
- 8-hour sun cream applied before pre-school as soon as spring turns to summer as well as a sun hat.
- Nappies and wipes (if applicable)
- A change of clothes and shoes. (We love messy play and use our garden in all weathers)
How do Parents hear about the fun; how do we keep you updated?
We take great pride in the relationships we build with our parents and carers. You will be invited to parents’ evening twice a year. Class Dojo is used during the week to update you on our fun activities or any important messages. Messages will also be emailed. Three times a year you can expect updates on your child’s individual learning and next steps via parents’ evening or Spring report.
Lunchtime at East Peckham
If your child is doing a morning session or with us for a full day, they will need to bring a packed lunch from home with an icepack in it. This should be a balanced lunch. Food items such as grapes, cocktail sausages and foods alike must be cut lengthways to prevent choking. No nuts, popcorn or sweets please.