Curriculum Enrichments
Nära Enrichments
In order to give our children access to the broadest possible experiences during their time with us, we have designed a bespoke set of “extra-curricular” activities which are designed to enhance children’s opportunities for learning and development.
These activities go beyond the educational programmes set out in the Early Years’ Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.
However, we want to enrich our children’s days with as much fun, exploration, challenge and learning as humanly possible! That is why we call these activities Nära Enrichments.
One problem we have found with traditional “extra-curricular” activities (which are usually provided by external companies), is that some children might miss out on taking part if they don’t attend on the particular day or time the activity takes place.
That is why at Nära Charlbury, we train our own staff to deliver most of these activities. As well as giving our team the opportunity to continue to grow and develop, this has the added benefit of staff truly knowing your child, and having a deep understanding of how they learn best. This means our team are able to adapt the sessions to meet each child’s individual interests and needs, rather than sticking to a rigid ‘lesson plan’. It also means we can guarantee every child is included in the activity.
Early Photography
Photography is a powerful medium for developing children’s understanding of themselves and the world around them. It enables children to put themselves at the centre of their learning, engages awe and wonder, increases curiosity, and provides a fantastic starting point for enquiries and conversations.
Jabadao
Jabadao are a physical development and wellbeing organisation who explore physical development across the early years. Jabadao believe that human beings thrive when they can live as fully in their bodies, as they do in their heads.
Infant Yoga
Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in children, as well as teaching mindfulness and offering psychological benefits.
Cooking Station
Cooking in the Early Years exposes children to experiences where a broad range of skills are required, and creativity, imagination and independence are fostered. Our Cooking Station offers a fun and engaging experience which facilitates a wealth of learning and development opportunities including, communication and language skills, early scientific thinking, mathematical knowledge and an understanding of where our food comes from, which helps develop healthy eating habits.
Forest School
Extensive research has shown that children attending Forest School sessions have: stronger social skills; a greater ability to work in groups and as part of a team; higher self-esteem and confidence; greater independence; improved self-awareness; stronger communication skills; better concentration and co-ordination; improved mental health; and an ability to assess risk.
Makaton
Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression. Our staff are trained in Makaton and teach children a sign each week, which is shared with parents so they can learn alongside their children.
Emotion Coaching
We follow an Emotion Coaching approach, based on research by the psychologist, John Gottman, designed to support children in being able to identify and explore their emotions. This allows children to understand and regulate their emotions, and nurture emotionally supportive relationships.
Big School Adventure
Our 12-week transition programme helps children move from Pre-School to reception with confidence, curiosity and joy!
Play and Say
Part of our Big School Adventure, Play & Say is a fun, sound-based approach to early communication and literacy, which supports: Emergent reading and writing skills, listening and attention skills, sound recognition and rhythm, and vocabulary and speech clarity.
Children’s Pottery
Our Children’s Pottery enrichment activities offer young children a hands-on, creative experience with real pottery wheels and clay. Through shaping, moulding, and decorating, children develop fine motor skills, patience, and confidence while experiencing the joy of making something from scratch!
Safety Scouts
Our Safety Scouts enrichment activities teach young children key health and safety skills in a fun and engaging way. Through hands-on activities and role-play, children learn to recognise risks, develop independence, and build confidence in staying safe at home, in nursery, and in the community.
