Curriculum
The curriculum we use with the children is based on the creation and facilitation of a positive environment, where children can express their feelings and needs comfortably and confidently.
Small Talk uses the British government recommended curriculum for nursery schools and early years facilities, and has kept up-to-date by sending staff to the UK to visit schools and learn about curriculum changes.
Small Talk's core ethos is that children learn through play. This is facilitated through themes that each class follows. We work with "Sure Start - Birth to Three Matters" and "The Early Years Foundation Stage" for three to five year olds.
What this means for Small Talk is that we always have, and always will, offer a play-based curriculum where every child is valued as an individual and allowed to develop at their own pace and according to their own needs.
Small Talk uses the British government recommended curriculum for nursery schools and early years facilities, and has kept up-to-date by sending staff to the UK to visit schools and learn about curriculum changes.
Small Talk's core ethos is that children learn through play. This is facilitated through themes that each class follows. We work with "Sure Start - Birth to Three Matters" and "The Early Years Foundation Stage" for three to five year olds.
What this means for Small Talk is that we always have, and always will, offer a play-based curriculum where every child is valued as an individual and allowed to develop at their own pace and according to their own needs.
Discipline
Small Talk staff are trained to use positive language at all times; to intervene and prevent problems from escalating whenever possible and always to condemn unacceptable behaviour, never the child.
This means we avoid the use of negative words (no, don't, naughty, bad) and concentrate on consequences rather than actions.
The approach is "we will sit here until you feel better and can join your friends to play" rather than setting the child apart as a punishment. From the earliest days we encourage the children to "use their words" to solve problems and only seek adult help if that does not work.
Staff are asked to use quiet voices and always to try and give the child a chance to express their feelings of anger or frustration. Sharing and taking turns are hard lessons to learn and we respect and praise the efforts the children make.
This means we avoid the use of negative words (no, don't, naughty, bad) and concentrate on consequences rather than actions.
The approach is "we will sit here until you feel better and can join your friends to play" rather than setting the child apart as a punishment. From the earliest days we encourage the children to "use their words" to solve problems and only seek adult help if that does not work.
Staff are asked to use quiet voices and always to try and give the child a chance to express their feelings of anger or frustration. Sharing and taking turns are hard lessons to learn and we respect and praise the efforts the children make.