Willow Class

Willow Class delivers a carefully resourced environment for our inquisitive toddlers to explore. Practitioners introduce daily provocations based on our ‘theme of the month’ to spark the children’s interest and provide them with rich learning opportunities.

Our approach is ‘child-led’, enabling the children to explore and investigate the environment around them in their own way, at their own pace with our nurturing practitioners on hand to enhance the children’s learning and provide support and guidance where necessary.

Bryony, Kieanne are full time practitioners in Willow class with Natasha working part time; allowing them to develop secure, responsive relationships with the children; ensuring each child’s individual routine is adhered to on a daily basis.

The children transition from Little Acorns to Willow class when they are physically and emotionally ready and will remain in the care of our Willow class practitioners until they are two years old.

We make the most of our extensive outdoor environment in all weathers, the rain provides us with excellent opportunities for splashing in muddy puddles. In addition to exploring our gardens we also like to take the children to investigate the locality surrounding nursery, a trip to the local shop or park provides us with a great opportunity to start introducing the concept of road safety. A walk in the woods enables the children to learn to appreciate and recognise features of their natural environment.

Our cosy area provides the children with a calming space to relax and recharge their batteries. The children sleep on sleep mats with their own sheet and blanket in line with their own routine, we do not have a set ‘nap time.

When the children reach two years of age, we sensitively support their transition into Sycamore class.