Children's Learning at Ashton House Nursery

“Austin has been able to grow up and develop in a fabulous learning environment. The staff have welcomed him and cared for him, paying close attention to his interests, needs and concerns.” Jo and Paul Osborn

We are all proud of the special way in which children learn at Ashton House Nursery as we see the fantastic benefits it brings to our children.

Children benefit from enhanced learning opportunities that are made possible from daily access to our exceptional outdoor natural environment across six acres of private grounds.

Children have the opportunity to go outside every day of the year in all weathers and our staff encourage this, though we treat indoors and outdoors as equal learning environments.

From exploring our outdoor environment, children develop an understanding of what risk is and how best to manage it. Climbing in the tree house, running down the mounds and riding bikes are all fully on the agenda at Ashton House Nursery!

Staff acknowledge children’s inquisitive natures and eagerness to learn and are commited to encouraging children to initiate activities, whilst promoting each child’s individuality.

Reggio Emilia...

We understand the importance of creativity being at the heart of children’s learning. Taking inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach to childcare, we believe that all children are naturally creative and should be given opportunities to develop their creative skills and expression. Reggio Emilia has gained world wide recognition for its values and Reggio and Ashton House see your child as competent, strong and full of ideas.

Let’s go and collect some apples!!!

This is a great example of how all six areas of learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are combined as part of an exciting and child initiated project in our outdoor environment, recently enjoyed by our pre-school children…

Children wanted to look for apples to collect and they had great enthusiasm to go looking every day for two whole weeks. This was the beginning of a much bigger project initiated by the children, which involved some children collecting leaves, fir cones, twigs and grass; others sorting the items into sizes and a separate group collaging items into books.

The project grew further as some children then brought in conkers from home, which were counted, developing mathematical skills. Senses were stimulated with the dew and frost on the grass and the different sizes and colours of leaves, which children compared and discussed in groups, developing inter-personal skills.

It is our facilities and excellent staff commitment that allows children to learn in this way. The learning that children experience during the project is more important than the final outcome of the project.

Our staff understand how and why children learn in this way and are committed to encouraging opportunities for them to develop further. We have a well organised structure for the children’s day, but we adopt a flexible approach so that the benefits of spontaneous learning opportunities are used to the full.

We provide a vast range of open-ended resources or ‘intelligent materials’ and most resources can be used for a variety of purposes, allowing children to explore them in depth. Children use clay for example, which develops their manipulative skills and encourages children to use their imagination.