Typical Days
For children a day at Buttercups is all about
fun and play
, punctuated only by moments for eating and resting. You, however, will know that each experience is part of an
educational programme
, carefully designed for your child. So whether they are listening to a story or out in the fresh air hunting for worms, everything is designed to give your child the
best headstart possible
, and it is called
"learning through play the Buttercups way".
Each day activities are planned so that children gain meaningful experiences either directly or indirectly through the use of resources, each other and staff. Buttercups follows the Government’s guidelines of
The Birth to Three Matters Framework and
The Foundation Stage Curriculum. The guidelines inform staff about children’s developmental stages and break them down into many focal areas. Appropriate activities, resources and staff interaction with the children enhance their learning potential and also identify any specific areas of a child's development that may need further attention.
The Birth to Three Matters Framework
This framework, for the under 3’s, specifically looks at the
Healthy Child
, the
Competent Learner
, the
Communicator
and the
Strong Child
. Within these areas children enjoy activities at a level appropriate to their stage of development. The babies are often seen having fun with messy play including sphagetti play and jelly play. They equally love stories, songs and mark making using big pencils and crayons. Even nappy changing, potty training or toilet time are opportunities for singing, talking, counting and more; the learning opportunities are endless and not to be missed!
You may arrive to collect your child and find him or her rummaging through miles of computer paper. They love the crinkling, crunching sound as they crawl over or under, whilst being fully supervised as they explore. You may even find your child enjoying a fully earned rest, again being monitored whilst they sleep.
Foundation Stage Curriculum
The Foundation Stage Stepping Stones develop children’s learning in the areas of
Language, Communication and Literacy, Maths, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Physical Development, Personal and Social Development
and
Creative Development
.
Activities children enjoy at Buttercups that assist in the development of these areas include art and craft, dancing, singing and listening to stories, learning to read and write, cooking, drama, science, the 'Homecorner' and role play. There are of course many others including those the children create for themselves and staff!
Montessori Principles
Buttercups uses Montessori materials and exercises to encourage independence. The children learn to serve themselves lunch and drinks, and gain a sense of responsibility. The children’s personal hygiene is encouraged and developed not only by the children washing their hands, and cleaning their teeth but also learning the reasons why they are necessary.
