Early Years - where play is the serious work of childhood
Parent & child group – birth to 3 years
Step into one of our nourishing, stimulating parent and child groups and already you will experience the beauty and joy that permeates the entire education.
Whether you are a parent or carer, you are welcomed into this magical setting where your child can play safely and creatively. Carefully selected 'bits and bobs' of the sort that surround us in our homes are left out for children to explore, as well as toys crafted from wood or other natural materials.
While you make friends over seasonal craft activities, your child begins to explore playing with other children knowing you are close at hand.
Each parent and child group is small and cosy - ideal for sharing the joys and trials of parenting!
There is a lovely garden for safe outdoor play and the school has grounds extending to 60 acres for bigger adventures.
Playing and working alternate with rhyme time and a little snack, establishing a rhythm that continues into Kindergarten.
Kindergarten (Ages 3 - 6 years) - a new milestone
Around the age of three a new milestone is reached as your child begins to develop more independence and becomes ready to make the move to Kindergarten.
If they have been in one of our parent and child groups, your child will recognise a rhythm to their day and week which helps with the transition to this new yet familiar environment. If they are new to Michael Hall they will find themselves welcomed into a space that feels much like home; playing with other children - some a little older, some a little younger; meaningful tasks carried out with love and care while your child plays or helps (sorting and tidying, baking and serving, painting and singing).
Your child’s Kindergarten teacher accompanies them on their journey of exploration, listening to their exclamations of wonder, allowing them time to watch and experience. Questions naturally bubble up and are met with openness and possibility by the teacher rather than answers – answers are for your child to discover for themselves as their intellectual capacities naturally awaken.
Outdoor activities are a particular feature of Kindergarten life. Your child will spend as much time outside as in – if not more in good weather! Our children are not fair weather spirits and walks happen in all but the most extreme conditions, with children well wrapped up against the cold and wet. At Michael Hall we are blessed with 60 acres of grass and woodland which makes for the best of all playgrounds. In addition each Kindergarten has its own dedicated outdoor space with opportunities to climb, swing and play in the sand.
After all this stimulation the children are ready for something to eat when we provide them with a freshly made organic snack.
Playing, singing, exploring, making, baking and stories - this is how your child will experience Michael Hall Kindergarten. The reality is that they are being encouraged to engage in activities that become increasingly challenging as they demonstrate they are ready to manage more complex tasks. In this way they naturally synthesise the social skills and manual dexterity that prepare them for the onset of formalised education in the Lower School.
Come to A Day in the Classroom
Next Early Years Open Morning - Saturday 12th March
Play - the serious work of childhood
10 - 12.30
Registration 10.00
Talk 11.00 (Creche available during talk)
For more information please phone 01342 822275 or email info@michaelhall.co.uk
