The many ways that Hertford Barns Day Nursery takes play and learning to a whole new level
Set against a backdrop of rolling fields where children point out hot air balloons overhead and wave to farmers passing by on their tractors, Hertford Barns Day Nursery provides the perfect space for children to thrive in countryside surroundings. The nursery days are filled with exciting activities, planned around the personal interests of children and designed in line with Early Years Foundation Stage principles to ensure they are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed for their next steps.
Inside the stunning barn conversion and historic stable block, spacious classrooms are home to stimulating learning spaces, state of the art ICT, toys and equipment, messy play stations, ‘role play’ areas and purpose-built facilities including a children’s shaker style kitchen for cooking and baking activities. Here pre-schoolers can design their own menus and showcase their culinary skills, all whilst learning basic mathematical concepts through weighing and measuring, as well as the importance of good nutrition to healthy lifestyles. From fresh fruit salads to healthy pitta pizzas, children beam with pride as they serve and enjoy their creations, which they make using produce they have grown themselves in the picturesque gardens outside.
As well as tending to an array of herbs, fruit and vegetables the whole year round, children of all ages are able to immerse themselves in a curriculum of eco-activities, including crafting with natural and recycled materials and creating habitats for wildlife, as well as impressive bug hotels for insect observations. The recent addition of a baby garden, complete with decking for the summer months and age-appropriate resources including a mud kitchen, help to take play to new levels and encourage a lasting love of the outdoors.
Hertford Barns also boasts a comprehensive school readiness programme. Covering topics ranging from self-care to phonics, pre-schoolers can practice fundamental skills such as using cutlery and writing and identifying their names. Devoted practitioners are also keen to ensure families are supported in these key areas and provide bespoke resources, including a series of books published by Childbase Partnership professionals to offer expert guidance, as well as exclusive access to the ‘Childbase at Home’ website and app, filled with online books and masterclasses to ensure children are confident and independent learners, ready to embrace school life. Hertford Barns provides a fully-inclusive service and takes children from six weeks to five years.
For more information, to arrange a visit or to register for a place please contact the nursery on 01707 392999 or email [email protected]
