Our Additional Provision
We aim to give every one of our 'Little Acorns' the widest range of experiences.
Every day there are planned activities which focus on the 7 areas of learning both inside and outside of the classroom. These activities will link to the 'theme of the week' or the larger whole term's learning journey.
Mrs Cassé takes us to Forest School every Thursday morning. In addition to this, we welcome Mrs Vinson each Monday to sing with us and teach us simple rhymes and Mr Luckhurst every Tuesday to teach us PE using a multiskills programme.
Forest School
Forest School – which started in Scandinavia – is all about enabling children to explore and experience the natural world through hands-on activities outdoors. The concept has proven to develop the self-esteem and confidence of pre-school children through activities that involve creativity, working together and child-led learning.
As children explore the natural habitat, they become more in harmony with nature, bringing a sense of belonging and contentment. Forest School is also a place to assess risk in a safe environment. This challenging play helps develop self-confidence, competence, emotional resilience and a sense of independence. Without risk and challenge, children are at risk of losing their sense of aspiration and ambition.
Music
A great deal of research has been carried out with regards to musical activity and the brain and it is now evident that music-making, singing and dancing aids the general development and well-being of our very young. Regular musical activity both child-led and adult-led can help support children’s acquisition of language and communication. It can aid their personal and social development, their physical agility, well-being, imagination and creativity. Musical activities may also help towards an understanding of maths, allow us to make sense of our world and possibly aid literacy skills.
Above all there is a good case for including music for music’s sake. It is an effective way of maintaining short amounts of concentration, and focus. It can be distracting, and soothing, it brings people together, breaks down barriers and forges relationships.
PE
One of the greatest benefits of physical education is to improve the physical health and mental health at the same time. Children who are involved in regular physical education are much more likely to have better physical health when compared to those who don’t. For those children introduced to physical activity of increasing intensity, their hearts and bones are offered a range of benefits.
There is an increase of cases of cardiovascular health issues among children nowadays, so to curb this, the NHS recommends at least an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day for children. There is scientific proof that physical activity minimises obesity in children. This can all be achieved through physical education with the right primary sports equipment. Running and cycling style activities are very useful.
Considering mental health, physical education has the potential to greatly boost children’s memories, as well as improving their concentration. Children are always learning, even at those early years, so having physical education is very important to facilitate their learning. Such opportunities can increase the chance of academic benefits. In many cases, these children can solve a range of complex skills thanks to their improved creativity.
