What does a day at Paddock Wood look like?
The children enter the setting via the garden gate. 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 recorded on Tapestry for you to view and 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 use the garden every session whether it be for football, bug hunting, obstacle courses or bike riding. We are incredibly lucky to be able to extend our play onto the grass area at the back, so please ensure a change of clothes is
always provided. The children love having a larger area to let off their steam and take appropriate risks.
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. This activity varies from ring games, listening activities, stories, dancing and singing.
Children are collected from their classroom via the garden at the end of the day or via the office at the end of the morning session. Any late arrivals or early collections happen via the office.
Snack at Paddock Wood
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 Paddock Wood?
- 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 term you can expect updates on your child’s individual learning and next steps via Tapestry.
Lunchtime at Paddock Wood
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.