Practice Manager's Report: Summer term

Another action packed period as we as a staff continually reflect on our practice and look to improve and develop wherever we can. This term we have altered how we do snack in line with OFSTED suggestions. A member of staff is allocated a day on which they open the 'café'. The children are then given an opportunity to come and have snack as they wish to during a period of an hour or so mid morning. The children have adapted to this change really well.

Another positive move forwards is the introduction of mindfulness. One of our parents, Zettie, has kindly given up her time and led a few sessions, which the children really enjoy. Games are played with a focus on noticing and discussions are based on feelings and how our body and mind feel. Discussions are reflected everyday at snack time with the children when they are asked how they are feeling that day. Initially we had a room full of 'calm' children – or so they said but they are now relating better to how they actually feel. We are now considering the most appropriate way to move this forward within the preschool context.

We have implemented the Golden Rules this term too – 'we walk, we are kind and we listen'. The idea is that three simple rules are easy for the children to recall and have ownership of.

Opening up the outside area first thing in the morning has been a success. The morning rush seems a little less noisy and busy and the children certainly enjoy the extra time outside. They have also proven to be very good at coming in for registration.

It was great to see parents coming along to support the maintenance of the garden and the deep clean of the interior. The moving of the sandpit is fantastic and means it is protected and usable in all weathers. The shed, fences and wendy house look much smarter and the new chalk board is really encouraging the children to mark make (the paint was still drying when we took this photo of it!).