Play and Learning
Our learning opportunities and experiences provide children with the freedom to explore and investigate through play. At the centre of all learning are the children. At every stage of nursery, children are encouraged to spend lots of time in the outdoor environment allowing them to connect with the natural world and savour the health and wellbeing benefits.
Our environment
Our environment provides a prime opportunity for play and learning, as staff interact effectively with children to extend their knowledge and skills. Our layout is given lots of thought, with opportunities for children to support the different styles of learning, using a variety of equipment, including open-ended resources. It is important that children can modify the environment as they see fit and this is agreed daily.
Taking learning outdoors is a key feature of everyday life for all children at Riverbank. Being in the outdoor environment is both positive from a health perspective but also for connecting children with the environment. When outdoors, children are encouraged to investigate and explore the world around them. We promote awareness of the natural environment through activities such as planting and growing fruit and vegetables, nature treasure hunts, outdoor ‘cooking’ and natural art. Only by being outside, appropriately dressed for all weathers, can children enjoy the light and shade of different times of day and the seasons and appreciate the subtle changes that take place as one season passes into another.
Learning is individual to each child’s needs, abilities and interests and parents work collaboratively with staff in celebrating children’s achievements, strengths and in agreeing goals for learning and development on a regular basis. This supports children to reach their full potential and become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.
By providing opportunities for children to explore the local amenities, we learn about respect, equality, and fairness, building relationships and connection, allowing children to get to know the local area. We utilise the local tennis courts, St Johns Tower, Ayr beach and library providing new and real experiences, encouraging children to see themselves as part of the community. Parents assist in this process by sharing their skills and local workplace information with children.
As part of our community partnership, we raise funds for local charities throughout the year through fun and exciting events.
As we promote our local heritage and Scottish culture, children will have a deeper understanding of the history of the area and learn about the comparison to life today. We also take time to appreciate and explore Scots language in more depth which develops wider literacy skills and an ability to associate words and language with a visual stimulus and associated action with words and meaning. https://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/skiddle_v1_n
We successfully hold accreditation as an Eco Scotland Nursery. Our ‘Green Flag Award’ is an internationally recognised achievement for Riverbank as we commit to Learning for Sustainability.
