Our Setting
We aim to enhance the development and education of children, under statutory school age, in a safe, secure and relaxed atmosphere. The staff have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the value of play, which enables children to progress towards the Early Learning Goals throughout the Foundation Stage, providing a gradual progression towards life at school. Staff training and development is always ongoing to ensure new guidelines and knowledge is kept up to date.
The manager has her level 4 in Early Years Childcare & Education and is qualified in Leadership & Management.
- 3 members have gained their level 5
- 7 members of staff have achieved their level 3
- 2 members have their level 2
- We have 3 apprentices
Baby Room
A warm and nurturing environment designed to support your baby’s earliest learning and development
Baby Room an open plan space with warm, cosy areas for the children to explore with their friends and key workers. Activities are planned in accordance with the children’s individual needs and interests in mind, whilst promoting development. There is flexibility for spontaneous activities initiated by the children. A range of resources are used including natural objects and materials, real life objects and ‘messy’ play. We aim to allow the children to use their curiosity to explore and develop.
Staff follow the guidance promoted by the Lullaby Trust, providing essential safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of Sudden Death Syndrome (SIDS). This advice and information is shared between the setting and parents.
Toddler Room
A fun, supportive space where children grow in confidence and independence as they prepare for preschool.
The Toddler Room provides opportunities for toddlers to develop and start to gain increasing independence. All equipment and resources are age appropriate, and children are provided time and space in which to allow their curiosity to grow. Circle time activities begin in this room. This encourages children to share stories from home, develop numeracy skills, and extend vocabulary. Activities provided are focused on the children’s interests and aim to provide a wide range of opportunities to explore and develop, in a multi-sensory way. We can offer funded places for two-year-old children from eligible families.
The setting follows the ‘Let’s Go Potty’ approach, adopted by ERIC, being an evidence-based method designed to help children learn to use the potty independently. This approach consists of three steps:
- Preparation: Ensure the child is ready to learn and has opportunities to practice using the potty.
- Practicing Skills: Gradually introduce the child to potty skills through practice and repetition.
- Stopping Nappies: Encourage the child to stop wearing nappies as they gain confidence and independence
This help and advice is shared between the setting and home for a consistent approach towards toilet training.
Preschool Room
A fun, supportive space where children grow in confidence and independence as they prepare for school.
The Pre-School Room enables children to have access to a range of activities and areas to explore such as our cosy book corner, role play area, water play, ICT, mark making activities and access to a wide range of resources which they can independently access. Adult led activities are provided with children’s interests at the core of any planning. During the summer term children engage in smaller group work, such ”Read, Write, Inc’ with school readiness in mind.
Forest School
Inspiring confidence, creativity, and a love of nature through hands-on learning in the great outdoors
What is Forest School?
Forest School is an outdoor approach to learning that uses the natural environment to nurture social, emotional, and practical development. It offers children, young people, and adults regular opportunities to grow in confidence and self-esteem through hands-on experiences in woodland or natural settings. These sessions also build communication skills, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the environment.
(Forest School Association)
At Roche Pebbles Childcare Centre, our Forest School sessions aim to inspire independent, enthusiastic, and creative learners. Through a carefully planned, child-centred approach, we encourage holistic growth while developing a strong connection to the natural world.
The Forest School Principles and our setting:
- Forest School is a long-term process, with children taking part in six- to eight-week blocks each season.
- Sessions take place in the safe and secure woodland grounds of Roche C P School.
- Our approach promotes holistic development, helping children become confident, independent, resilient, and creative learners.
- Children are encouraged to take supported risks appropriate to their environment and stage of development.
- Sessions are led by qualified Forest School Practitioner, Vickie Webber, who has achieved the Level 3 Forest School Leader Award.
- We use a learner-centred approach to create a supportive community for development and growth.
Our Forest School Ethos
At Roche Pebbles, we are committed to the ethos of Forest School and aim to:
- Fulfil every child’s potential.
- Develop a love of learning that builds independence and confidence.
- Provide a secure, exciting, and inspiring environment.
- Strengthen positive relationships between home, school, and the wider community.
- Support children’s self-esteem and independence.
- Encourage positive behaviour to ensure safe, enjoyable sessions.
- Maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios.
- Plan and deliver safe, engaging activities that foster exploration.
Equal Opportunities at Forest School
Our Forest School sessions follow the setting’s Equal Opportunities Policy, available on our website or from the manager.
- No child or adult will be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, age*, background, race, religion, or ability (including SEND).
- Adjustments will be made wherever possible to support children with allergies, medical needs, or behavioural challenges. This may include extra adult support, adapting the site, or tailoring activities.
- Every participant is valued, and their contributions are celebrated to raise confidence and self-esteem.
- As a child-led experience, Forest School allows children to follow their interests while showing respect for one another and for the environment.
* For practical reasons, Forest School is currently offered on a regular basis to preschool children at Pebbles.
The Snug
A calm and welcoming retreat where children can relax, recharge, and engage in focused learning.”
The Snug is our dedicated quiet room, offering children a safe space to step away from the busy nursery or preschool environment. Here, they can relax, self-regulate, and feel secure in a calm atmosphere.
It is also used for focused small group work, such as Letters and Sounds or phonics activities, supported by their key person or our SENCo.
The room is equipped with sensory resources, lighting, and specialist equipment, designed to provide both stimulation and comfort for children who benefit from sensory breaks tailored to their individual needs.