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 Horton, 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.
Forest School
Forest School is an approach to outdoor learning which inspires children of all ages. It develops self-confidence, self-esteem and increases feelings of well-being through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.
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.
Forest School has its roots in Scandinavia and the modern concept of Forest School was established in Denmark, and so it aligns perfectly with our “hygge” approach to learning.
Forest School Leads at our nursery undertake an accredited Level 3 Forest School Lead qualification, and offer children experiences, such as: making dens; exploring tracks; using simple hand tools to make wooden objects; cooking on fires; creating art; playing and climbing; finding and identifying wildlife; planting fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants; creating and following maps; enjoying stories and songs…in all weather and in all seasons!
Infant Yoga
Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in children, as well as teaching mindfulness and offering psychological benefits.
Early Photography
Photography is a powerful way of developing children’s understanding of the world around them. It supports children to put themselves in control of their own learning, encourages curiosity and can create endless moments of awe and wonder.
Jabadao
Jabadao is 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.
Their training focuses on developing confident, skilled, comfortable and expressive bodies right from early age as this supports learning and wellbeing.
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.
