Nursery World Awards 14: Organisations - Pre-school of the Year

Little Learners Pre-School successfully translates theory into practice to provide children with stimulating experiences and innovative learning opportunities.

The Ofsted outstanding setting, which has been open for less than a year, is part of Little Learners Nursery School, which won Nursery World's Nursery of the Year in 2010.

Using the theories of Susan Isaacs, children at the pre-school are supported to plan their own learning.

Floor books create opportunities for children to record their ideas, while children and staff come together to develop imaginative and creative activities on 'non-planning days'.

Children are also actively involved in assessing risk and resolving conflicts at the pre-school. This includes discussing health and safety when making hot chocolate with a camping kettle and negotiating turns on bikes.

In line with the theories of Friedrich Froebel, pre-schoolers have hands-on experience of the food chain by helping to grow vegetables in the setting's allotment, which are then used for nursery meals. The allotment also provides a means for the pre-school to reach out to the local community as staff use the freshly grown produce to create food parcels for families in need in the area.

To further imbed a sense of belonging to the community, the pre-school children often visit local amenities such as the nearby library, pet shop, the park, theatre and local museum 'The Village'.

Staff also work hard to provide varied play opportunities in recognition of children's individual needs, abilities, interests and learning styles.

Staff at the setting say the pre-school's mud kitchen is particularly beneficial to kinaesthetic learners, who learn by doing, while the Little Learners' sensory room offers children a tranquil oasis of calm and relaxation.

The pre-school also boasts a Garden Room and Water Therapy Room.

An outdoor kitchen with a fire pit and indoor raised viewing platform to offer more provision for risk and challenge are in the pipeline. Other plans being considered for the future include running training courses and conferences for other early years providers.

Highly commended

Magdalen Gates Preschool, Norwich, Norfolk

Magdalen Gates Pre-school runs from two classrooms within Magdalen Gates Primary School, which is based in a deprived area of Norwich, Norfolk.

The pre-school ensures children's voices are heard by involving them in choosing weekly activities, what they would like for a snack and what resources to buy with fundraising money.

Questionnaires sent out twice a year to parents include a section where they can record their children's thoughts about the setting and also any requests they may have. In the past, children's requests have included having a real shark in the tadpole pond and putting fairies at the bottom of the garden.

Finalists

Gingerbread Pre-School, Kirby Cross, Essex

Parktown Pre-School, Luton (Pre-School Learning Alliance)

Woodlands Pre-School at Manor House Nursery School, Margate, Kent.

Criterion

Open to registered settings offering sessional care and education.

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