Preschool

Our pre-school offers educational childcare for the children aged 3-5 years following the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. 

We provide an engaging setting following the children’s interests, enhancing our provision to create a stimulating learning environment for the children to learn through play. The children are given opportunities to Play, grow and belong here at the Wonder Years.

We are proud to be one of the few settings in York that hold the Communication Friendly Status following  Elklan and working closely with Early Talk for York and providing Wellcomm screening focusing on children’s listening, speaking and understanding skills.

A little bit about what we do:

The Wonder Years uses an “In the Moment Planning” approach to teaching (referred to as learning and development in early years settings). Below are some frequently asked questions about our approach:

What is In the Moment Planning?

In the moment planning is an approach to learning and development which values the practitioner’s ability to teach where the children are already engaged. It involves practitioners following the child’s lead and interacting and engaging with children “in the moment”. We believe that children learn best when they are engaged, and that this occurs when children are initiating where, with what, and how to play. It places value on the fact that every child is unique- learning and developing in their own way. It relies on strong meaningful relationships between practitioners and children and their families- your child’s keyperson and buddy will take the lead on this.

How do we teach?

We teach through providing a stimulating environment full of opportunities for rich, in-depth play. We then enhance this play through our interactions with children where they are already engaged. We enhance play in many ways, including- communicating and modelling language, showing, explaining, demonstrating, exploring ideas, encouraging, questioning, recalling, narrating, facilitating and setting challenges.

Children are invited to attend a settling in visit with us. This is an opportunity for you and your child to meet the team and key person. Settling sessions usually last for 1 hour and this experience can help your child to understand what to expect from their experience before they officially begin their sessions with us. If you feel your child needs extra time to settle in please don’t hesitate to ask and we will be happy to accommodate.