Cultivating children’s independence, creativity and confidence
Little Learners
BIG Adventures
Nurturing curious minds through thoughtfully planned play, early learning and outdoor exploration. At Tortoise & Hare Childcare we provide a safe, caring and inclusive environment where every child can grow at their own pace.
Creative & Messy Play
At Tortoise & Hare Childcare, we carefully design activities such as painting, playdough, baking, and sensory play to support each child’s development. Through these hands-on experiences, children refine their fine motor skills while nurturing their creativity and imagination.
Structured
Learning
At Tortoise & Hare Childcare, we engage children in singing and dancing to encourage self-expression and build confidence. We regularly share stories to foster a love of reading and to develop language and listening skills. Children also enjoy simple counting activities and puzzle games designed to strengthen early numeracy, problem-solving abilities, and overall cognitive development.
Outdoor
Activities
We offer a rich programme of outings to help children explore their community and the natural world. These include regular trips to local parks, guided nature walks, and visits to playgroups or libraries. Through these experiences, children are able to expend energy in a safe, stimulating environment while developing their social skills and interacting with others.
Home
Life
At Tortoise & Hare Childcare, children enjoy eating meals together at a table, helping to build social skills and a sense of community. They are gently guided to learn appropriate table manners, including taking turns, using cutlery correctly, and speaking politely with peers and adults. Children also practise basic self-care routines, such as washing their hands before and after meals, helping them develop healthy habits and independence.
Free
Play
At Tortoise & Hare Childcare, we encourage children to take the lead in their play and learning. They are given the freedom to choose their own activities using a rich variety of resources, including construction blocks, dressing-up clothes, and small-world toys.
By allowing children to direct their own play in this way, we support the development of their independence, creativity, problem-solving skills, and social confidence in a safe, nurturing environment.
Guiding Principles & Areas of Development
We follow The EYFS structure around four guiding principles:
A Unique Child:
Every child is a constant learner who can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.
Positive Relationships:
Children learn to be strong and independent through supportive relationships.
Enabling Environments:
The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development.
Learning and Development:
Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.
Focusing on The 7 Areas of Learning and Development, Tortoise & Hare Childcare’s educational programs are divided into three Prime Areas (fundamental for development and future learning) and four Specific Areas (which build upon the prime areas).
Prime Areas:
1. Communication and Language: Listening, attention, understanding, and speaking.
2. Physical Development: Gross motor skills (movement) and fine motor skills (handling objects and tools).
3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Self-regulation, managing self, and building relationships.
Specific Areas:
4. Literacy: Comprehension, word reading, and writing.
5. Mathematics: Numbers and numerical patterns.
6. Understanding the World: Past and present, people, culture, and the natural world.
7. Expressive Arts and Design: Creating with materials and being imaginative.