The Hatchery
We welcome children into the Hatchery from 16 months old where the nurturing home from home environment continues from the Nest for our inquisitive little learners
Little Explorers
By the time our children reach the Hatchery they will have taken their first steps and will be starting to form their own words and language. Communication of their preferences and interests becomes stronger and our practitioners can really hone in on their interests, such as cooking in the kitchen like mummy and daddy, looking after their babies, building towers or going on Teddy Bear Hunts.
There are opportunities aplenty for the Hatchery children to explore both inside and outside with free flow into our large outdoor garden allowing them to take risks safely, as their independence increases.
The team in the Hatchery spend a lot of time supporting their children's emotional and physical development as well as communication and language. Nursery rhymes, singing and reading are a huge feature of this room and incorporated into the children's play.
A Day with us
We get up to lots of different activities, this is an idea of what a typical day in the Hatchery looks like
Morning
Drop Off and Breakfast: Children start to arrive from 8:00am and those who want to can sit down and have breakfast together
Out and About: All children at Barnkids have the opportunity to explore our amazing outside spaces, you will often see our Hatchery children toddling up the track to Forest School or up to the top garden.
Care Routines: In the Hatchery children start to follow nursery routines more closely. Naptime is straight after lunch and nappies are changed periodically through the day and hands and faces are always washed before and after meals. Children are always encouraged to have a go at washing their own hands.
Mealtimes
Lunch time: Lunch in the Hatchery starts at 11:45am.
Dinner Time: Dinner in the Hatchery starts around 3:45pm.
Lunch and dinner consist of a freshly cooked, healthy, hot meal provided by our caterers - Slice of Pie. We have weaning menu's available for our younger children and we can cater for all allergies.
Mealtimes are important social occasions throughout the nursery: practitioners are encouraged to join the children for their meals; children are encouraged to sit at the table and feed themselves with help always on hand if required.
When our children are sitting eating with their friends, we often find fussy eating habits are left at home.
Afternoon
Free play and free flow: There are various free play sessions throughout the day where the children will have free flow access to the outside play areas. A selection of activities will be on offer, for example teddy bears picnics, sensory shapes and blocks and small world for the children to engage with if they choose and all of our toys and books are within easy reach.
We maximise the time our children can play, as the longer they spend engaged in an activity the richer the learning experience.
Collection: You are free to collect your child any time before the nursery closes at 6:00pm. From about 5:00pm the team will start preparing your children for collection by gathering their belongings and changing any messy clothes.