We believe in treating every child as an individual and we ensure we cater for their different needs and rates of development. We do this through a curriculum full of exciting activities to stimulate their desire to learn, so their confidence and self-esteem will grow in a loving and caring environment. Our play-led approach reduces stress and helps children deal with difficult and new feelings.
We believe young children learn through first-hand experiences, so they are encouraged to experiment and explore with activities both indoors and outside. This encourages problem solving, creativity, language and communication skills, understanding of the world, and emotional and physical development.
We align ourselves with the Reggio Emilia approach to early education, which values your child as strong, capable and resilient, rich with wonder and knowledge.
The personal, social and emotional development of each child is of paramount importance to us and we use a variety of activities and games to promote self-esteem and self-confidence. We listen carefully to what children are saying and respond sensitively to their needs. For non-speakers, we observe body language, facial expressions and use some Makaton.
We have a quiet area where children can go and spend time looking at books or enjoy activities of their choice in a calming environment. A love of books, art, music and drama is fostered and children are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through a variety of media.
Enrichment Sessions & Specialist Teachers
One of our unique features as a nursery is the extended educational opportunities that we provide outside of the core curriculum. Each week, children can participate in sessions with specialist teachers from Howe Green House School. These include: Forest School, Music, Art, Science, PE, Yoga and Ballet.
Assessment & Development
We assess the children through observations and document their progress throughout their time with us. We believe that parents know their children best and we ask them to contribute to the assessment process by sharing information about what their children like to do at home and how they, as parents, are supporting their development. Working together collaboratively is a key characteristic of life in Little Oaks, and open and honest communication between families and the dedicated team of Little Oaks staff is highly valued.
Little Oaks pupils have an individual record of achievement documented in a journal called Tapestry. This helps us celebrate their successes and work together with parents to provide what your child needs for their well-being and educational progress.
Tapestry is carried forward into Reception at Howe Green House so children moving on to join the main school will have an individual record of achievement through their Early Years experience.
Parent consultation evenings take place in the Spring term and a full written report of your child’s progress is issued at the end of their last term.
