At Bright Beginnings, we cater for babies aged 6 weeks – 12 months. We can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 babies in our baby room, and there is an adjoining sleep room, changing room and milk kitchen in this area. We have a Leader and Assistant designated to this room and the adult:child ratio is 1:3. The Baby Room has its own curriculum, which is planned by trained staff and which incorporates the different developmental stages of the child into the daily programme.
CURRICULUM FOR OUR BABY ROOM
SETTLING IN TIME:
The day starts with Meet and Greet in the Wobbler Room, this gives the older babies a chance to interact with the other children.
Free-Play to settle the babies in with an opportunity for each baby to explore their room and discover the different toys available to play with.
MUSIC & SONG:
After breakfast and when all the babies are present we sit together and sing our Nursery Rhymes and Kiddies Songs – e.g. Round and Round the Garden, The Wheels on the Bus etc.
OUR DAILY ROUTINES:
The routines of nappy changing, feeding, nap time etc., are an opportunity to help the babies to develop emotionally. For example, a nappy change provides the baby with a one-to-one situation with their carer and feeding time provides an opportunity to develop their self-help skills such as holding a spoon or a cup by themselves.
ANIMAL BOOKS & TOYS:
The colourful books and animal toys stimulate the babies senses i.e. sounds, sight and touch. The toys and books also help to develop their co-ordination and curiosity i.e. moving the animal’s arms, legs, heads, turning pages etc. The music/sounds and words from the toys encourage language and cognitive skills.
CUSHION MOUNTAINS:
This exercise involves distributing cushions throughout the room and encouraging the babies to crawl and climb through and over a variety of shaped and textured cushions with safe fillings. The cushions are also used to play peek-a-boo and the babies often copy the actions of the carers during these games.
SHAPE SORTING:
Developing their manipulative skills the shape sorting is a very enjoyable experience for the children. The shape sorting toys in the room encourage the child with singing and musical treats when the correct shape is placed in the correct spot. We have many different toys of this sort and the babies really enjoy these activities.