The Footprints Experience
Working as an EYFS lead and Deputy Headteacher for 13 years, Rhiannon has extensive knowledge of the early years curriculum and provides an educational environment with high quality adult and child led activities.
Extremely small numbers of children means that we can focus on each child’s individual interests in order to create engaging and tailored experiences that meets their specific needs and enables them to make maximum progress in their educational journey, whilst having fun!
Pete has worked as a travelling demonstration chef in England and Northern Ireland, employed by businesses and Local Authorities to educate parents and children on healthy eating. Once described as a 'Poor Man's Jamie Oliver', Pete provides nutritious home cooked meals for the children at Footprints - he also likes the children to have as much chance as possible to cook too!
Speaking and listening are essential skills for children to acquire as early as possible in order to access learning. The leadership of Phonics is a particular specialism of Rhiannon’s and she plans daily activities that enhance these vital communication skills.
Music helps children to tune in and activates all areas of the brain. Pete (playing multiple instruments - sometimes at once) provides a daily singing session for the children to join in with.
Our garden space is complete with a mud kitchen, water wall, sandpit, deconstructed role play area...the list goes on. We strongly believe in high quality outdoor learning as it offers unique opportunities for understanding the world as well as exposes the children to a degree of risk that you can’t gain from inside.
An open plan indoor space has been designed to have a natural and airy feel leading straight to the outside garden, allowing children to have free flow access between both areas that enables a rich learning space for children to confidently explore in. The main room also connects to the 'calming room' where children can enjoy a quieter space to play or look at a book and the creative room where they can delve into water or sand, painting activities and sensory trays.
Our six seater push bus, double push chairs and our walkodile allows us to safely explore the local area and be a part of our community. We are so lucky to have the library, a bakery, a post office, a pet shop and even West bank park on our doorstep! The huge forest area at West bank park is perfect for our Wellie Walks where we take our learning outside. The children take part in activities that increase their confidence, communication, problem solving skills and of course their emotional well-being. The children absolutely love it!
