Our Aim|We offer your child|Curriculum|Social|Communication|Mathematical Development|Knowledge|Physical Development|Management Group

Background

Barn Owls Pre school has been operating in it's current form since September 1998, when the local authority located a purpose built nursery for 4 year olds at Shifnal Primary school.

In order to utilise the building in the afternoons they offered the premises to the other pre school provisions in Shifnal.

At this time we were operating from the Shifnal Cricket club since 1986 and was know as the 'Wickets Playgroup' . The opportunity to move into a new purpose built facility appealed to the playgroup staff, committee and the parents, we took up occupation operating a pre-school service for children from 2 1/2 years to school age. However as apart of the agreement with the educational authority is that Barn Owls only take fee paying families.

With the introduction of funding for 3 year olds Shropshire Education Authority worked closely with our setting to ensure that the needs of all children attending were met, and it was agreed that both settings would provide pre school education for 3 to 4 year olds.

Our Aim:

-> To enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age in a parent involving, community based group.

-> To provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment.

->To work within a framework which ensures equality of opportunity for all children and families.

We offer your child:

-> A specially tailored curriculum following the Foundation Stage.

-> Individual care and attention made possible by a high ratio of adults to children.

-> Fun and friendship with children and other adults.

-> The support of a personal key worker.

Opportunities for you and your family to be directly Involved, in the activities of the group and in your own child's progress.

Curriculum:

Within the group, all children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace. Our Key worker system enables us to ensure a planned curriculum tailored to the needs of each individual child.

By means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of individual adult input, we offer a curriculum which follows the nationally approved Foundation Stage.

Personal, Social and Emotional

Children learn to establish relationships with other children and adults within our setting. They gain a positive approach to new experiences, to care for themselves and others, to show concern for others. Through practical activities they learn to share, to respect their surroundings, and develop a positive approach to learning. Barn Owls also promote positive attitudes to differences in cultural background, religion, gender, ethnicity, special educational needs and disabilities.

Communication Language and Literacy

Children are given the opportunity to learn skills in speaking and listening, to use communication, language and literacy in every part of the pre school curriculum, to experience print in different forms (shopping lists, food packets etc.). They are able to experience a wide range of books, both fiction and factual. Activities are provided to develop the fine motor skills needed in the early development of drawing and painting. Children are given to opportunity to tell their own stories through pictures and words. They take part in activities promoting rhymes, poems and stories from Ground the world. Adults within the group listen to children in one to one, small or large group situations. We provide opportunities for children to see adult writing and for children to experiment with writing by making marks, personal writing symbols and conventional script.

Mathematical Development

Children can take part in activities that encourage counting, sorting, matching, and finding patterns. Through practical activities they learn about numbers, shapes and space, These learning opportunities are provided in stories, songs, games and imaginative play. They develop their mathematical language, adults ask open ended questions to extend the learning opportunities, and encourage the use of appropriate language. Children are given opportunities to look at problems and how they can solve them.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

In this part of the curriculum children are learning the skills they will need to develop their understanding for the future in science, design and technology, history, geography and information and communication technology. Children have the opportunity to a range of activities both indoors and outdoors, which will help to stimulate children's interest and curiosity. Children can experience activities that support exploration, observation, problem solving, prediction, decision making and discussion. Children will be given the opportunity to explore issues of differences in gender, ethnicity, language, religion and culture. Adults within the group help support the children communicate and record their findings in a variety of ways.

Physical Development

Physical development helps develop skills that include co ordination, control, manipulation and movement. Children will gain confidence in what they can do and be aware of the physical benefits of being active and healthy. Barn Owls provides physical activities that provide appropriate challenges, both indoors and outdoors. Children are encouraged to use a range of equipment. Adults model language to children that describe their activities and actions. Activities cover both fine motor end gross motor skills, and encourage children to become aware of their own needs in respect of healthy practices and hygiene.

Creative Development

This area of the curriculum includes art, music, dance, role play and imaginative play. Barn Owls provide a stimulating environment giving children the opportunity to explore and develop their ideas and to finish working at these ideas. Children can explore and experiment with materials, using all their senses; this in turn will help children make connections between different areas of learning.

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Management Group

The business side of Barn Owls Pre School is undertaken by a small, but dedicated group of volunteer parent/corers, who meet usually one a month, to make decisions regarding the financial and business requirements of the Pre School. We are always looking for fresh ideas and help. If you are interested in this side of the pre school please ask for further details from a member of staff .

Barn Owls Pre School is a member of the Pre School Learning Alliance, and is registered with Shropshire County Council's Early Years and OFSTED.

Policies

We are required by OFSTED to hold certain policies. These are numerous, but include Behaviour Management, Equal Opportunities, Special Educational Needs, Health and Hygiene and Child Protection. You may look at these policies at any time, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to help you.

About Us