Extra Curricular
Bonjour
and consumables
We are committed to providing a rich and engaging early year’s experience. As part of this, we offer a range of extracurricular activities, enhanced learning opportunities, and consumables that go beyond the basic pre-school provision. These are funded through an additional charge, which supports the delivery of high-quality, stimulating, and well-resourced experiences.
We are aware of the potential impact these additional costs may have on families and therefore keep these to a minimal.
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All extracurricular activities are rota'd so they occur on different days each week, ensuring that all children have access to all activities over time, regardless of which days they attend. These sessions are fully embedded in our normal daily and weekly routine, and children will participate as part of their normal pre-school day.
Forest School
Our nature-inspired sessions encourages children to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences in the great outdoors based in our woodlands. With a focus on creativity and curiosity, children will develop essential skills while having fun in a natural setting.
Forest school helps improve physical and emotional well-being, enhances social skills through collaboration and communication, and fosters cognitive development through problem-solving and creativity.​
Additionally, forest school helps cultivate a deep connection to nature, promoting environmental awareness and stewardship for a healthier future.
Our Forest School sessions are led by a Forest School trained member of staff.
Let's nurture their love for nature together
Cooking
Cooking with children in a pre-school setting offers numerous benefits. It enhances their fine motor skills as they measure, stir, and chop ingredients. Additionally, it encourages communication, fostering social skills while they work together. Moreover, cooking can be fun to introduce healthy eating habits and explore different cultures through food.
Cooking sessions for us is not about an end product but about what the children learn through the process and experience of the session.
Yoga
Yoga in pre-school offers numerous benefits for young children. It helps enhance their flexibility, balance, and coordination while promoting physical health. Each yoga pose challenges different groups of muscles which can help children to be more aware of their body and the way it functions. Additionally, yoga encourages mindfulness and relaxation, aiding in emotional regulation and focus along with aiding mind-body connection. Achieving a pose can offer a huge boost to both their confidence and self-esteem.
Overall, incorporating yoga into pre-school activities fosters a positive environment for learning and growth.
Music and Movement
Music and movement offers a variety of benefits that enhance children's development. Engaging in rhythmic activities helps improve motor skills and coordination, while also fostering social interaction and teamwork. Additionally, music stimulates creativity and cognitive skills, making learning fun and enjoyable. Overall, incorporating music and movement into early education lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development.
French Sessions
Introducing French sessions offers numerous benefits to children. It enhances cognitive skills and promotes cultural awareness from an early age. Children develop language skills faster when immersed in a second language, leading to improved communication abilities. Additionally, these sessions foster creativity and social interaction among peers, making learning both fun and engaging.
We are lucky enough to have a wonderful practitioner who is able to lead these sessions.
Chickens
Incorporating chickens into a pre-school setting offers numerous benefits. Children can learn about responsibility as they care for the chickens, fostering a sense of ownership and nurturing. Additionally, observing the chickens can spark curiosity about nature and life cycles, promoting hands-on learning experiences. They also promote mental health with an unexpected source of calm and connection. Helping care for the chickens in the fresh air, encouraging movement and watching as they scratch and peck for bugs is said to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Lastly, the presence of animals can enhance social interactions, encouraging teamwork and communication among young learners.
Children get the opportunity to feed the chickens, collect eggs and care for the chickens. Their eggs are also utilise in our cooking sessions.
Toothbrushing
Brushing teeth is essential for pre-schoolers as it prevents cavities and other problems. Good oral health promotes overall wellness and boosts confidence with a bright smile. Regular brushing also encourages healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Teaching children about oral hygiene at a young age sets the foundation for healthy future.
Each child has their own named toothbrush which stays at Puddleducks and is replaced regularly as required.
Waterproofs & Welly Boots
We have a wide range of waterproofs for children to utilise as required to ensure full access to our wonderful outdoor environment and sensory activities. As a free flow setting this is curial to have on hand to be able to replace any wet waterproofs.
We also have a large selection of welly boots that are utilised not only in inclement weather but for Forest school, water play and other messy play activities.
Book Packs
We have hundreds of themed book packs that children are encouraged to take home and share with their family.
They enhance engagement during storytime, making reading a more interactive experience. Props encourage imaginative play, helping children connect the story and develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, these packs promote quality bonding time between parents/carers and children, fostering a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
Included within the packs are parent guidance on alternative ways to engage with the book at home and a list of key vocabulary to reinforce and enhance language development.
There is also the option of going to our 'storytime' page and listening to a story being read by a member of the team.
Supplies and Consumables
- Suncream: Factor 50+ supplied by Puddleducks.​
- Seasonal Wear: Summer hats, winter hats, and gloves are provided by Puddleducks. This allows for them to get wet and messy and be swapped for a fresh set.
- Nappy Cream: We provide nappy cream (brand of Puddleducks choice) for all children who need nappy cream.
Seasonal Enhancements
The extracurricular charge also supports additional themed and seasonal experiences, such as:
- Our mini growing areas – growing, harvesting and using our own fruit/vegetables/plants.
- Hot chocolate stations
- Ice cream parlours
- Visits from farms, animal handlers, and mini beast experts
- Cultural celebrations and themed events
- Caterpillars – Butterflies