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 St John’s Nursery Playgroup organises its sessions so that the children can choose from - and work at - a range of activities and in so doing, build up their ability to select and work through a task to its completion. The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in adult-led small and large group activities which introduce them to new experiences and help them to gain new skills, as well as helping them to learn to work with others. 
Outdoor activities contribute to children's health, their physical development
and their knowledge of the world around them. We have a large outside play area
for the sole use of the playgroup. We also have the opportunity to link with
the Foundation Unit and share their extensive outside area and resourses. We
aim to use our outside area as an extension to the indoor play provision. As
such we can, especially in the
dry season, move most of our learning areas such as construction, problem solving
and writing outside. Outside play equipment is also provided to help children
with their gross motor skills development. Everyday items such as bread/milk
crates, old tyres, planks and wooden stepping stones provide a wealth of imaginative
and active play. The children have the opportunity and are encouraged to take
part in outdoor activities, as well as those provided in the indoor playroom/s.
A ramp to the outside play area makes it accessible for all children
Snack Time 
The playgroup aims to provide healthy snacks for the children. We have a fruit sharing day once a week wherein each child is asked to bring in a piece of fruit, or vegetable if preferred, which is then shared at snack time. On the other days we provide healthy snacks for example carbohydrates - wholemeal bread, pita bread and pancakes; fruit/vegetable – vegetable sticks, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and protein - cheese. Milk and water is provided at snack time wherein we are supporting the children to pour their own drinks from small jugs. We endeavour to introduce new food particularly if we are celebrating a cultural celebration for example Diwali, where we served Popadoms.
Lunch Club St John’s runs a very successful and enjoyable lunch club. The children eat their lunch together along with two members of staff. It’s a lovely opportunity for social interaction in a smaller grouping and after they have helped tidy away their lunch things, there are games or dressing up, bikes and weather permitting, we make use of our outdoor play area. We believe snack time and lunch club to be important social times at which the children and adults eat together and talk about all sorts of things. Please tell us about your child's dietary needs and we will do our upmost to make sure these are met. Please remember not to include any food containing nuts (especially peanut butter) into your child's lunchbox for lunch club. Clothing 
The playgroup provides protective clothing for the children when they play with messy activities for example corn flour or painting. We ask for all children to be provided with plimsoles or soft indoor shoes as well as sturdier shoes for outside play. Any clothing brought from home especially coats, jumpers and the change of clothes you provide, need to be clearly named. We like to go outside even during winter, so warm coats are essential. The playgroup staff encourage children to gain the skills which help them to be independent and to look after themselves. Clothes which are easy for them to manage will help them to achieve their independence. If you are in the process of toilet training with your child, we would appreciate pull ups instead of nappies as this helps at toilet time making it more comfortable for the child and facilitates the staff.
The Daily Routine- morning session
The Daily Routine- afternoon session
Please note, all times are approximate |
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