LITTLE TREASURES

Judith Backhouse, from Jubilee Gems in Padworth, on those special early years

Q In a nutshell, what do you o er?

A Jubilee Gems o ers a happy and caring learning environment where children are encouraged to develop and achieve their full potential. We believe every child is unique, with their own likes and dislikes, and distinctive experiences that makes them the child they are and will become. We celebrate diversity and the freedom to develop ideas.

Q How would you describe where you are based?

A We are located in the countryside in West Berkshire, with access to a large garden and within easy walking distance of our working farm and forest.

Q How do you make full use of the countryside around you?

A We take groups of children out to the farm and the forest on a daily basis. There is a short country walk to get to the farm, once there the children have plenty of room to run and play in a safe environment. A little further on is our forest, where we have a seating area with benches and tables where the children stop for a drink and snack before the fun begins. A short walk from there is our stream, where the children can play in the water with toys that are always there.

Q How would you describe the educational ethos at Jubilee Gems?

A We are all about learning by doing through real experiences. Children are given the time and space to explore, discover and use their imagination both indoors and outdoors in a language-rich environment.

Q What do you o er for the very youngest children?

A Our Baby Room has recently been refurbished, it is a light and bright environment for the babies to be in. There are two rooms, Tiny Twinkles for the youngest babies and Dinky Diamonds for toddlers. Tiny Twinkles has lots of sensory toys, which are set in di erent areas for the children to explore and feel their way around, learning new textures as they go. There is also a black and white area where the children are visually stimulated. Our Practitioners take the children out to the farm for walks and to visit the animals that are cared for there.

Q What is ‘Sapphires’?

A Sapphires is our Pre-School group. The transition to Primary School starts in Sapphires. The children learn self-confidence and independence in this group, they learn through play and discovery which is all in line with the EYFS framework. They are encouraged to freely develop their interests in readiness for school.

Q How do you set children up for what comes next in their educational journey?

A The children are gently transitioned into school readiness, whilst still being able to have fun and play. As well as being fully equipped with the skills they need to start school, we pride ourselves on the emotion preparation the children receive.

Q Can you sum up a typical classroom?

A The classrooms are divided into di erent areas for each age and stage of development. Our learning experiences are engaging, led by children, and sprinkled with imagination and magic!

Q What have been the highlights for you in the school year to date?

A We have had many highlights, from World Book Day where we all dressed up as our favourite book characters, to celebrating Halloween and our Winter Wonder Walk, which is always a firm favourite with families. We also achieved a Review Score of 10 with daynurseries. co.uk, which was amazing for everyone here at Jubilee Gems. We strive to be the best.

Q And what’s still to come?

A Our Easter Bonnet Parade! We will be displaying our hats on 6 April, with gifts for every child and a special gift for the winners of the Parades. In May we have our King’s Coronation Party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, the final details of the party are yet to be decided, but we can assure a very happy party full of all kinds of fun things to do. In the next few weeks our forest will be filled with a carpet of bluebells, this is a spectacle that happens every year, the children love to see them and have their pictures taken sitting amongst them.

jubileegems.co.uk