Children are so precious and we only want what is best for them. When we buy a new car we test drive it, we ask questions, we try it again. When we buy a new pair of shoes we try them on, we walk around with them on perhaps even with different outfits. We should do the same with schools.
I know that price is always a factor and this year, in order to help parents with young children, we have not raised our fees for ACE START, our early years classes. It is worth comparing our prices with other schools because, let's face it, this is a big financial commitment that you are making.
Our ACE START teachers specialise in early years education. With 3 - 5 year olds there is no such thing as standing in front of a class and teaching. Working with this age group requires specialist training. This unique skill that our early years teachers have enables them to design activities that are just right for each individual in their class. The children think they are playing, and they are, but the play is carefully managed, observed and assessed so that subsequent activities can be planned.
I know that when I did my early years training it took days and days, over many weeks, to complete. It sounds silly but we were taught how to observe - it is so much more than just watching. We had to wear a sparkly crown (that went down well!), the idea being that if we were wearing the crown the children would know that we were not part of the play. I am not sure how effective this was because the children all thought that we were playing princesses and wanted us to join in with their play.
Play is central to early years education. I am still fascinated when I watch children involved in imaginative play. It starts at such a young age. I know that my baby grandchildren are just sitting up by themselves, albeit it with a few wobbles, and already they are pretending to talk on the noisy phones that I bought for them (my children love me!!). The babies cannot talk yet but they are babbling as if they are in the middle of a full blown conversation. This is how children learn.
Watch your child at the play kitchen. It is real. The invisible liquids, the heat from the hob, the taste when you drink from the cup that they have given you. To your child IT IS UTTERLY REAL. Think also about how you interact with this play. You give a little direction; "Can I have a cup of coffee please?" and off your child will go to busy themselves making your order. When they present the delicious coffee to you your response is along the lines of "Mmmm. Thank you. Delicious! Aaaaaah!" as you hand back the empty cup. It is all real - and caffeine free.
Look at what you have taught them through this play. This is how children learn about social rituals, good manners, please and thank you. These are the essential behaviours that are so important in young and adult life and without which they will struggle. Think about how charming it is when your child starts to say "Pease" (the pl sound is often difficult to pronounce) and "Tank you" (so it th!). So cute and so vital.
This is the briefest of insights into early years education - the foundation for all future learning. If you would like to find out more about ACE START then just fill in this form. If you would like to register your child for our FREE TRIAL MORNING on WEDNESDAY 09 APRIL 2025 09:00 - 12:30 then just fill in this form.
Until next time ...
Bye for now.
Mrs Jackie Daire
HEAD OF SCHOOLS
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