At Orchidale we encourage our children to be independent learners this includes mealtimes. Our staff team ensure these times are relaxing and are more of a social event where children can reflect with the staff on what they have doing throughout the day. We have a beautiful dinning room, where children can practice self serving and are encouraged to understand the process, from setting the table, pouring their own water, self serving meals, scaping plates and washing up afte

I don’t think I’ve ever met a child, or grown up for that matter, who isn’t transfixed, or at least intrigued by, a land of complete fantasy

Risk taking and toddlers. Not usually the words you would happily put together. However, studies show us that certain risk-taking behaviour

As an experienced Early Years Specialist Teacher I have often been asked by parents how they can support their children's learning at home through he use of computers and tablets. There are a range of paid and free apps as well as several websites that I have used and recommend for young children. Here are my favourites: 1,Nursery Rhymes TV https://www.youtube.com/user/NurseryRhymesTV1 I'm a keen advocate of how music can help children learn in a fun and engaging way. I have

Creative play and imaginative arts experiences play a central role in toddlers’ learning and development. You can encourage your toddler and support his/her creativity with fun creative activities. Here are some ideas: Encouraging your toddler’s creative play For toddlers, creative play is about the process of creating. There’s no right and wrong in how toddlers create and respond to art. Through free-flowing creative play, toddlers can explore their world in their own way, w