What is Beach Kindergarten?
Beach Kindergarten is a way of learning.
It is held outside, at the same beach location each time where possible and provides relevant education for all ages of children, whatever their developmental level. It occurs regularly throughout the year to enable children to develop a coherent understanding of the rhythm of life. It takes place in all weathers, is multi-sensory and facilitates progression of learning, about the environment, including all aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence.
Beach Kindergarten is child centred and nurturing, also fostering a sense of community. Although there is a higher ratio of adults to children, we encourage the children to be risk aware, not risk averse, appreciating that challenging and enjoyable experiences are vital for healthy development and lifelong learning skills.
Going to and learning in the same place is not boring! Indeed, it enables a secure space from which exploration happens and as children become more comfortable in their surroundings, their confidence to explore grows. The same place/space changes as seasons change. In the forest, trees change colour and loose or gain their leaves, clumps of leafy growth on the ground now have flowers appearing from them and we often spot a variety of different wildlife and their tracks. At the beach we discuss the tides, the wildlife and the shells and rocks amongst other things. Children set their own boundaries and are supported in their exploration of the area. There is a variety of learning experiences, covering all parts of the curriculum – literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing, science, technology, social sciences, religious/ moral/values/attitudes, expressive arts (art, drama, dance and music).
Where is our Beach Kindergarten at St Andrews Nursery?
Beach Kindergarten currently takes place at East Sands beach. We have identified areas that enable a variety of rich learning experiences and opportunities for exploration and challenge. Health and Safety is of paramount importance and the area is thoroughly risk assessed – both by the staff and thereafter by the children themselves. We keep a record of the children’s risk assessments encouraging their involvement, engagement, learning and responsibility.
However, this in no way takes away from the adult’s facilitation and duty of care for the children.
Why have we chosen to have Beach Kindergarten?
Beach/Forest Kindergarten happens all over the world. It is important to give children a variety of different opportunities to develop all aspects of themselves whilst at St Andrews nursery and we want them to learn – Inside, Outside and Beyond!
What do we do at Beach Kindergarten?
Our main aims for a first session are to let the children get to know the woodland site, feel secure in it, discuss physical boundaries and understand why! We may introduce various activities depending on the setting throughout the sessions – shelter/den making, art/creativity, fire /cooking, using tools, exploring the site, collecting/ sorting/measuring e.g. sticks, observations/recording, stories, singing, dancing, games etc. We enjoy having our snack time together and as children develop, they try new things which they maybe wouldn’t have chosen to do before.
Clothing
Waterproof clothing is provided by nursery if required but it is advisable that you ensure your child is well equipped for the weather.
Wet – waterproofs and wellies
Cold – warm, thermal, insulated – both clothes and footwear. This is very important, as wellies are not warm enough in cold temperatures.
Sunny/hot – sun protection – sun hats and sunscreen
Our hope is that the children also learn to take responsibility for their own weather gear and would ask that you encourage them to engage in this process. It is a life skill which will go forwards with them. We want to encourage responsible and independent young people as part of Developing the Young Workforce, who know what their needs are. Of course, for early years this is always held under the nurture, care and guidance of the adults – whether parent/carer or nursery staff.
Hygiene
We use antibacterial wipes whilst at the beach and thoroughly wash our hand on returning to nursery.
There is a toileting area sectioned off when we arrive as well as tissues and a spade.
Tidy Up
We encourage responsibility, care and respect for the environment and therefore we all tidy up the site to make sure that we leave it as we find it. We leave no trace of our being there (apart from a bit of transient art!)
Weather and its impact on Forest Kindergarten
Beach Kindergarten will happen during all kinds of weather – wet, damp, frosty, snowy, cold, hot, warm, misty … however, it will not take place if;
- The wind is dangerously high
- The rain is torrential
- There are blizzards of snow and ice
- The roads are not passable
Beach Kindergarten will take place if there is snow cover, but only if it is safe to get there and back.
How often do we participate in Beach Kindergarten?
Beach Kindergarten sessions will be held weekly each term except for the first and last week of the term. Sometimes we may have to cancel a beach session if we have organised a special event at the nursery but we will always try to avoid this and will try to give you as much previous notice as possible.
