Early Years
Hear about the Early Years
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
For the young child, play is work
At Elmfield we provide:
- Time for free play
- Seasonal materials taken directly from nature and natural toys
- Traditional games and songs such as ring time and skipping
- Baking, gardening, weaving, cooking, food preparation, painting, modelling
- Story time
- Beautiful natural gardens, play areas and classrooms
- An age appropriate curriculum
- Solid foundations for social, literacy and numeracy skills, and technical and scientific knowledge
- An atmosphere of warmth, love and security
- A secure platform for formal learning when they reach school
- Activities appropriate for the seasons of the year
At Elmfield children can grow up at their own pace
We allow time for real childhood, with an age appropriate curriculum which engages the young child’s innate drive for learning through imitation, rhythms and exploration.
Respect for the child as a developing human being
In the nursery and kindergarten we take time to play both in and out of doors, taking full advantage of Elmfield’s beautiful grounds. Through the children’s imaginative play as well as having a great time they also learn to co-operate with others and develop empathy and social responsibility.
Creative Activity helps to develop skills for life
A strong sense of rhythm runs through the week and the years incorporating all the regular activities and creative play alongside ring time and daily storytelling or puppet shows. We follow the seasons of the year in our songs, outdoor play and celebrations of the festivals, such as Michaelmas and Harvest, Advent, Easter, Whitsun and Midsummer.
Ring-time and sharing a special story brings a sense of togetherness and the opportunity to enjoy the rich variety of songs, poems, fairy and folk tales.
Nursery and Kindergarten
We have three groups within the Early Years:
The Nursery group welcomes children at rising 3 until anytime after the child’s 4th birthday,
The two Kindergarten groups are for children between rising 4 and 6.
Our morning begins at 8.45am until 12.30pm with afternoon school and care programmes available for all children dependent on age and need.
There is a strong sense of community within the Early Years with plenty of opportunity for the older and younger children to work and play together under the gentle and guiding presence of the teacher.
Afternoon Care and After School Care
Afternoon and After School Care sessions in a home-like setting where children can relax after their school sessions, and play in the grounds or indoors.
