Barnes summer play school
Aims and objectives
Barnes Summer Play School has been running for 20 YEARS, and Big Top Adventures has been running for 10 years. The obvious theme that runs through the school is that all children have enormous fun and enjoy being children! Our aim is to bring out a child’s individuality and support that with creative and artistic play. There is a firm structure to each day, and we encourage good discipline.
Communication and interaction is very important between staff and children. We aim to give the children a full day with interesting creative projects as well as the possibility to just sit and have calm reading moments whenever they feel the need. We encourage sharing and helping each other. We listen to the children and try to give them what they need at that time. We support the children in their need to express themselves and especially if they are particularly artistic. We expect good manners and kindness to each other and will help children to achieve this by talking them through it if they are not accustomed to it.
We believe that Barnes Summer Play School and Big Top Adventures has worked very hard to achieve the good reputation that it holds in the Richmond Borough. We are always prepared to improve and learn more about the children we see each year. We are very happy to integrate children from all walks of life and our Inclusion (SENDA) policy expresses that. Every year we welcome children with special needs to join in with all activities. Some of our special needs children don’t always need specialist one to one assistance, but we will allocate a member of the team to keep a big eye over them, however, those that do need the assistance can apply for the funding through us. We work on the premise that children are our future and as teachers/carers/parents it is important to us to make them feel special, loved and cared for during the time that they spend with us.
Every year we have a main theme running throughout the five weeks. In 2003 for example, the theme was 'China'. In 2004 the theme was ‘Food Glorious Food’ where we explored food from around the world. In 2005, the theme was ART from around the world, especially Africa, India and Mexico, and in 2008, our theme is 'Eco summer'. All projects and activities are based around the themes, giving the children a fantastic opportunity to stretch their imaginations and creative skills as well as learn the importance of other cultures and how they live.
A final presentation takes place on the last day of school and all the children are welcomed back to take part. All parents/carers/grandparents are welcome to come and find out what has been taking place for the past 5 weeks. Preparation for this event forms a very big part of the artistic projects that are produced by the children and it gives them a forward plan and a focus as well as allowing them the opportunity to ‘show off’ their creative skills.
We take full advantage of the surrounding parks, and try to do as many outdoor activities on all good weather days. Visits to Kew Gardens, Syon Park, London Aquarium, Swimming Pools and most London sites are regular choices or a simple picnic on Barnes common can be just as much fun.
We concentrate on the children and their individual needs, we respect them and actively encourage them to have fun and make the most of their time with us.
We believe in fun, laughter, listening to them, talking to them, creating with them, allowing them their space, giving them calm and relaxing times as well as energetic fun and exercise time.
