Daily Routine
Our Day
From the moment we open our doors in the morning, the children are learning, exploring and investigating. Some of this happens through play when they access our well-resourced and carefully planned learning environment, learning to work together making choices and decisions.
Adults play alongside the children, challenging them to extend their thinking, introducing new vocabulary and taking their learning forward. Some teaching and learning takes place in adult-led groups, when specific skills may be taught directly or when new skills, especially in conversation, are practised.
Because we know that every child is unique, we also make time to work on a one-to one basis with the children, ensuring that our teaching is tailored to their current needs and interests. In all but the most extreme weather, children have access to outside learning opportunities as well as inside.
Our Day
From the moment we open our doors in the morning, the children are learning, exploring and investigating. Some of this happens through play when they access our well-resourced and carefully planned learning environment, learning to work together making choices and decisions. Adults play alongside the children, challenging them to extend their thinking, introducing new vocabulary and taking their learning forward. Some teaching and learning takes place in adult-led groups, when specific skills may be taught directly or when new skills, especially in conversation, are practised. Because we know that every child is unique, we also make time to work on a one-to one basis with the children, ensuring that our teaching is tailored to their current needs and interests. In all but the most extreme weather, children have access to outside learning opportunities as well as inside.
Our Timetable
Our timetable is carefully organised so that children have time to practise their learning and develop their thinking without frequent interruptions. Specialist staff from the main school are timetabled to join us at specific times; at other times, we are flexible and respond to the immediate learning needs of the children. This approach gives children an important structure to their day but allows staff to make the most of every ‘teachable’ moment and ensure that the children make the best possible progress.
As the children journey from Pre School to Reception, and then towards Key Stage 1, the structured elements of the day naturally increase. As children are developmentally ready, they take on more responsibility and become increasingly independent (such as finding necessary resources or dressing themselves for PE). As they grow and mature, they are encouraged to spend longer periods of time focusing and completing tasks to their satisfaction.
Our Early Years classrooms and outdoor spaces are organised so that all children can access resources independently. We know what we want the children to learn and we make sure that the available resources provide the right levels of challenge and interest for each child. Many of our resources are available at all times and we enhance children’s experiences by adding new and interesting items to stimulate their curiosity and develop their interests further.
Snack and Meal Times
As parents, you know how important food is for your child’s health and well-being. At Griffin House we encourage children to develop a positive attitude to healthy eating and to learn to make healthy choices about the food that they eat. At Griffin House snack and meal times are very important, just as they are at home. The adults sit with the children at lunchtime, encouraging independence whilst modelling conversation skills and table manners.
Our food is freshly prepared on-site for us by our kitchen staff who ensure that allergies and special diets are catered for effectively.
You’ll find our menus on the main school website. (LINK)
Fresh drinking water is always available at school. We frequently remind the children of the importance of drinking, especially when they are active or when the weather is warm. Brains work better when they are hydrated!
Eating away from the family can be tricky for very young children. Our staff know the importance of this aspect of learning and the children quickly adjust and look forward to enjoying food with their friends.
Snacks take place in the classroom and usually consist of a carbohydrate (bread, crackers, pitta, etc.) and a selection of fresh fruit and/or vegetables. We might also enjoy food that the children have prepared themselves in their cooking activity.
As ever, children are encouraged to be independent at snack time, pouring their own drinks, buttering crackers, chopping fruit and much more. The children drink water, with the option of milk in the morning.
Snack time is an important time for social learning too and we all enjoy taking time to sit together and chat.
Snack and meal times
As parents, you know how important food is for your child’s health and well-being. At Griffin House we encourage children to develop a positive attitude to healthy eating and to learn to make healthy choices about the food that they eat. At Griffin House snack and meal times are very important, just as they are at home. The adults sit with the children at lunchtime, encouraging independence whilst modelling conversation skills and table manners.
Our food is freshly prepared on-site for us by our kitchen staff who ensure that allergies and special diets are catered for effectively.
You’ll find our menus on the main school website. (LINK)
Fresh drinking water is always available at school. We frequently remind the children of the importance of drinking, especially when they are active or when the weather is warm. Brains work better when they are hydrated!
Eating away from the family can be tricky for very young children. Our staff know the importance of this aspect of learning and the children quickly adjust and look forward to enjoying food with their friends.
Snacks take place in the classroom and usually consist of a carbohydrate (bread, crackers, pitta, etc.) and a selection of fresh fruit and/or vegetables. We might also enjoy food that the children have prepared themselves in their cooking activity.
As ever, children are encouraged to be independent at snack time, pouring their own drinks, buttering crackers, chopping fruit and much more. The children drink water, with the option of milk in the morning.
Snack time is an important time for social learning too and we all enjoy taking time to sit together and chat.
