In the Pips room holistic learning allows for the children to explore using their whole bodies and to engage in sensory play. There is a key person system which allows the children to create an attachment and build on a relationship with a specific practitioner in order to explore and use them as a secure base. Children are encouraged to develop their physical skills through messy play, walk or crawl opportunities and constant interactions to support language development. Our children are also encouraged to feed themselves with little support and have become very confident in doing so. 

We use the ‘Five to Thrive’ approach in order to support their brain development. This approach is based on a sequence of relational activities (Talk, Play, Relax, Engage and Respond) that build healthy brains in young children and helps to maintain healthy brain function. 

We talk to the babies and interact with them at every opportunity especially through songs and stories to develop communication skills. We set up activities based on their interests and join them in their play encouraging exploration. We help them to know when they need to relax by scheduling daily nap times, leading yoga sessions, taking them into quiet spaces or comforting them when in need of settling. We engage with our babies by giving them eye contact during interactions, holding their hands when teaching them how to walk or supporting them within their transitions. We respond to the children by observing their interests and encouraging them to explore their interests further. We also make sure that they are aware that we are listening to them through the use of our body language and responding appropriately.