A Typical Session at
(Please note the timings indicated are approximate and relate to morning/afternoon session)
9.00am-9.10am/12.30pm–12.40pm Arrival
The children arrive with their parent/carer and take off their coats/footwear and change into indoor shoes. The children then find their name cards and put them on the session board before choosing an activity to take part in.
9.20am /12.30pm Security
The gate is locked; any late arrivals or visitors must come to the front door.
9.10am-10.35am/12.40pm–2.05 pm Indoors/Outdoors Play
A variety of activities are available for the children to participate in and move freely between. Our weekly plan which sets out in detail these activities is on display during each session; please take a look and ask any questions. Weather permitting we operate an indoor/outdoor policy whereby the children choose to be indoors or outdoors as almost all activities can be carried out in either location. Appropriate clothing and footwear – coats, hats, gloves, wellington boots etc are worn accordingly.
9.50am–10.00am/1.15pm-2.10pm Rolling Snack
At 10 am the start of snack time is announced and the children are encouraged to go for snack when they are ready/feel hungry or thirsty during this period. Between four and six children sit down for snack at any one time. The children look for a space, put their name in the box/on the board, wash their hands, and take a seat at the table. All of the children are encouraged to help prepare and choose their own snack and then to pour their own drink. Once finished each child is encouraged to tidy away their own utensils and to clean their hands and faces. There will be at least two items of food to choose from and a choice of milk or water to drink. Apart from special occasions we offer a healthy and nutritious snack taking into account any allergies, dietary requirements and preferences. A list of the snacks for each week is posted on the notice board for parent/carers to read; any suggestions are most welcome. Please note that Rainbow operates a strict NO-NUT policy.
10.35am/2.00pm (unless finishing snack) Tidy Up Time
The tidy up music (Balamory) is played and everyone is encouraged to help tidy away before gathering together on the carpet for the next part of the session.
10.45am-11.00am/2.10pm-2.25pm Circle Time
This could be one of many activities –reading a story, music and movement, singing, drama, playing a game or looking at each other’s work from the session. Similarly this can take place in once large group or several small groups depending on the activity.
11.00am-11.30am/2.25pm-3.00pm Free Play/Physical Play – Indoor/Outdoor
A selection of toys/activities is available for the children to choose from i.e. ride-ons, prams, balls, hoops, climbing frame, swings, hoopla, croquet, stilts and playhouse.
11.30pm/3.00pm Home Time
Home time unless staying for lunch club (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).
All children are encouraged to put their own coats and shoes on with adults providing support. Any items to go home are handed out i.e. pictures, craft work, letters. The children are then guided to their parent/carers one at a time for safety. Please note that the gate remains locked until the end of the session for maximum safety/security.
11.30pm-12.30pm Lunch Club
The children all wash their hands before finding their places at the lunch tables. Once everyone is seated lunch boxes are opened and lunch is eaten. Once lunch is finished the children wash their hands and faces and take part in some quiet activities of their choice, for example reading, jigsaw puzzles or threading. At 12.20 pm the children tidy away, find and either get ready to go home or for the afternoon session if they are staying.
