Education at Tiger Tots

Education for Children under two years of age

Children under two years old are cared for by qualified staff who work with parents and carers to ensure that routines, feeding and sleeping habits are followed. This helps ensure that the children remain secure and settled, and the policy of the nursery is that children should be cared for regularly by the same one or two staff, to provide continuity and build relationships. All the staff who work with babies are qualified to at least NVQ level 3 and most will hold the NNEB qualification. Staff plan activities which promote the children’s development and help them to become secure and confident members of the nursery community.
Children of this age will enjoy individual attention and play from their carers, finger rhymes and songs, a variety of exploratory play opportunities and an emphasis on the development of language.

Education for Children aged two years

Two year olds are supported by familiar adults while also being offered more challenging activities and opportunities to develop their independence and individuality. Staff are sensitive to the two year olds’ need to assert their personality and wishes, whilst also being skilled in supporting them through the upsets which can occur as part of this process. Tiger Tots has a policy of emphasising the good and positive side of children’s behaviour and minimising reactions to more difficult behaviour. The use of praise and a warm positive atmosphere in the group supports these children well. Two year olds will experience an emphasis on the development of communication skills and the activities planned will include plenty of messy and physical play to help them learn to control their movements and to enjoy their developing skills.

Education for Children aged three years

Three year olds at Tiger Tots begin to work towards the Desirable Outcomes for children’s learning. There is a nationally established set of goals for children aged between three and six years and is covered through play activities and structured adult-led opportunities. The children are encouraged to become independent and confident, to work with others and to share. They develop their language and listening through stories, rhymes and play. The enjoyment of books plays an increasing part in the programme. Simple mathematical ideas such as big and small, more and less are included and numbers are used in everyday situations such as counting the number of plates needed for snack. Staff encourage the children to explore the things around them and to observe things in the natural world, like the changes in the seasons. Physical play and creative opportunities are provided daily.

Education for Children aged four years

The oldest children in the Nursery are given every opportunity to become confident independent individuals and to prepare for the challenges of school. Childrens’ happiness and general well-being remains the first priority. Continuing to work towards the desirable outcomes for children’s learning, the children are encouraged to begin to understand the uses of writing, to enjoy books and to be confident talkers and listeners. Numbers and mathematical ideas are used regularly in everyday and play situations and children develop their understanding of technology and the things around them in the world. Physical play opportunities remain important and skills like throwing and catching are developed. Creative and imaginative play continues through a variety of media and role-play opportunities, and the children are encouraged to be confident in their own abilities.