Kindergarten Pods

Both of our family groupings operate as a kindergarten group, each with its own space. We have two kindergarten groups, one for birth to two year olds (Hedgehogs) and one for two years to school age (Badgers ((2-3)) and Foxes). Although our 2-3’s and 3-5’s have different ages they are together in one free flow space.

Both environments are set up to provide stimulating play and learning spaces, cloakrooms and sleeping areas, and are equipped with changing and toilet facilities, sinks, and plenty of storage for all the loose parts and open-ended equipment.

We know the benefits of social learning, especially within mixed age groups. As our environments are set up to be child led, so are their social opportunities. Because our children have the freedom to move around the nursery, they are free to develop friendships from all our age groups. Older children learn care and empathy from being with the younger children and younger children learn vital social and language skills from older friends. It is a very inclusive ethos, children with typical and neuro-typical abilities all together, finding their own way in our big, happy family.

For very young children, it may be the first time they’ve spent any great length of time away from their family. We understand that this is an important transition, and having a familiar room as well as a place in a family group at kindergarten is important in helping them feel safe and secure. We know that very young children (under twos) especially need a designated area to safely try out their developing physical and social skills. Also, older children enjoy resources which may be challenging for younger children and begin to play in a more sophisticated, autonomous way. Because of this, both the Foxes/Badgers and the Hedgehogs also have their own spaces.