A week in Saplings
Our Saplings class provides a learning environment where children are encouraged to be independent and to develop self-confidence. The environment has been thoughtfully planned to create ample space for our children while retaining the feel of a welcoming family home. Our children have access to a wide range of activities and resources which are divided into many different areas including role-play/mark making, book corner, literacy area, maths, ICT, construction, small world, creative, sensory/malleable, sand and water, as well as continuous access to our free flow garden.
Our staff make sure there is a good balance of focused and free play activities, providing Saplings with the nurturing and attention they require to explore their developing skills.
Each morning, we gather for our welcome session, where children participate in the calendar, discuss the timetable for the day, and share any news. We then energise our bodies and minds with a fun 'wake up, shake up' session, featuring dance, song, and movement.
The day is a blend of approximately 80% free play and 20% adult-led sessions. These include phonics, maths, literacy, and various enrichment activities such as yoga, cooking, gardening, forest walks, expressive arts, music, physical education, and personal, social, and emotional development. We also support fine and gross motor skills through activities like ‘Dough Disco’ and ‘Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle.’ Small group activities are led by our specialist teachers, ensuring a balanced and engaging learning experience.
Welly Walk Wednesday
Once a fortnight we go to the local woods for forest school activities. Children engage with nature and explore the local environment.
Kindness Blossoms
We celebrate positive behaviour and learning experiences by adding ‘kindness blossoms’ to our Saplings Family Tree. This provides children with opportunities to intrinsically understand and make good choices.
Reward Systems
Every week we celebrate a reward session: ‘Coco of the Week’. We also have spontaneous reward systems to acknowledge children when they demonstrate our values or engage positively with their peers. This helps to understand the routines and rituals of Saplings life.
For lunch, children eat in class, fostering a comfortable environment for mealtime conversations and developing positive, healthy relationships with food.
After lunch, children participate in Quiet Time, when they tune into their bodies and connect with calmness. This supports emotional regulation. Quiet Time is a moment for rest, where children can relax without interacting with puzzles or play items.
In the afternoons, we have short adult-led sessions focused on themes relating to our current topic, such as yoga or guided meditation. These are designed to introduce new concepts and skills, allowing children to engage with class material in a manageable and enjoyable way. The remainder of the afternoon is dedicated to free play, where children can explore a variety of open-ended provocations.
At Saplings, we embrace a learning-through-play approach, as play is essential for children’s development. Our practitioners provide a rich environment full of opportunities for exploration and discovery. We observe children’s interests and interactions, using these insights to guide our planning and support their learning journeys. This helps children develop critical skills in communication, social interaction, and problem-solving in an enjoyable way.
We are dedicated to empowering children to become independent learners, fostering curiosity and confidence, and laying strong foundations for their future in education and life in general.