St Barnabas Preschool is rated GOOD by Ofsted
We aim to create a warm and friendly environment, where children, will feel safe, valued, happy and comfortable to be themselves. We try to allow the children to be as independent as possible but encourage them to ask for help when it is needed.
In the area of literacy, our goal is to facilitate children's acquisition of essential skills, including word reading, language comprehension, transcription skills, and composition skills. Through a well-rounded literacy curriculum, we create an environment where children not only learn to decode words but also comprehend and express themselves effectively in both spoken and written forms. Our approach aims to instil a lifelong love of reading and writing, laying the foundation for a future where literacy is not only a skill but a source of joy and enrichment. By fostering a rich literary environment, we aim to empower children to become confident and expressive communicators, well-prepared for the literacy demands of their future endeavours.
At each session we aim to provide several different craft and art activities, including painting, cutting, chalking, drawing, sticking (2 and 3D). Singing is always included and we have a large range of musical instruments. Children can access several role play areas.
In the area of communication and language, our aim is to foster an environment where children not only learn to communicate effectively but also engage in high-quality interactions. We place a strong emphasis on developing their listening and understanding skills, recognising these as essential foundations for effective communication. Through carefully crafted activities and experiences, we encourage children to express themselves confidently and articulate their thoughts. Our approach is designed to nurture a rich vocabulary, encourage active listening, and instil the importance of clear and thoughtful expression. By integrating various engaging strategies and activities, we create a vibrant atmosphere that stimulates language development, ensuring that each child progresses towards mastering the art of communication with both fluency and depth
During the session there are many activities for the children to explore scientifically. The natural world is represented in the outdoor environment. Plus the children have access to a range of posters, minibeast toys, books and puzzles reflecting nature. Children are able to work on computer, learning IT skills. They are given opportunities to talk about their homes, families and experiences.
There are opportunities to work with number, shape, space, measures and calculations throughout the sessions using resources such as, books, puzzles, sand, water, building sets, computers, construction sets, role play and small world sets and through stories, songs and rhymes.
In the area of physical development, our focus is on ensuring that children hone their gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and coordination, while also fostering a keen sense of positional awareness. Through a variety of engaging activities and purposeful exercises, we encourage children to explore and enhance their physical capabilities. Our approach places a strong emphasis on creating an environment that promotes the development of both large and small muscle groups, enabling children to navigate their physical world with confidence and dexterity. By integrating play and structured exercises, we aim to instil a lifelong appreciation for physical well-being and an understanding of the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.