Learn through play Activities are based around themes and are agreed on a termly basis with short-term plans made week by week. Our plans take into account each child�s developmental needs and are tailored accordingly. A wide selection of toys ensures interest is maintained. At Bronwydd Avenue there is a custom-built tree house with a ball pit underneath, a home corner and a computer. At Brandreth Road there is a moving talking tree and a sensory room furnished and filled with fittings and toys designed to enhance the senses of sight, sound, hearing and smell.
While children enjoy themselves, they develop a positive attitude towards education. Sand and water play is available while other pursuits include construction toys, dressing up and cooking. Through basic �science� children learn of properties of natural materials.
Brandreth Road For most activities the children are separated into groups by age, making allowance for variation in development. Generally, babies have their own room, the toddlers another and the two-year olds a third room. Each room is run and planned by qualified nursery staff. Through play babies acquire skills such as holding and using objects, controlling their body, communication and understanding of how things work. We stimulate creative skills with activities such as music, texture play and finger painting for the older babies. Each child's individual needs and abilities are considered when planning and routine is tailored towards those needs. Children are taken for walks and trips to the nearby Roath Park, using wrist restraints and pushchairs as appropriate.
Bronwydd Avenue For toddlers we offer activities such as drawing, painting, craftwork, music and movement, and singing. Story time is an essential part of each day. Sand and water play is available while other pursuits include construction toys, dressing up and cooking. Through basic �science� children learn of properties of natural materials.
Each morning we have 'circle time' when we chat, we discuss the weather, the days of the week and any news anyone wants to share.
All activities are planned using the methodology found in the Welsh Government's Foundation Phase, an approach to learning for children between three and seven years of age. It is based on the principle that the early years should offer a sound foundation for future learning, with emphasis placed on young children learning by doing and giving them more opportunities to gain first-hand experiences through play and active learning. The Foundation Phase identifies seven areas of learning:
Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity Language, literacy and communication Skills. Mathematical Development. Knowledge and Understanding of the World. Physical Development. Creative Development. Welsh Language Development. Bronwydd Avenue has large gardens where children can play, ride tricycles and sit & ride toys or, the favourite activity, spend time in the mud kitchen. There is a tepee and log circle where the children enjoy songs and stories. The gardens are used as an extension of the classroom; we have wellies and splash suits so can spend time outdoors in all weathers. Children will be involved in basic gardening, planting seeds in grow bags and watching plants grow. The children also make visits to the local library and park and both nurseries receive visits from the fire service, small animal zoos, police and ambulance services.
