While the children are not in nursery during the six-week holidays I am reviewing the learning environment to make sure that we have enough 'soft spaces'. Back in the spring I conducted an environment ratings scales (ECERS) audit and one possible improvement identified was areas for relaxation and comfort. I felt it was essential to make sure that the children have a place to go where they can chat, chill out or look quietly at a book.
We have decided that one area of our nursery will now be furnished with neutral coloured cushions and throws and also voile to soften the area. I hope this will be a place where children will feel relaxed and able to chat with friends or have a little sleep.
A basket with books and a teddy to read a story to will also be placed in the area.
The display walls of the nursery will be in neutral colours. Colour and life will be brought to the walls by photographs of the children and by their 'work' - drawings, paintings and models.
In order to take the communicationfriendly spaces (CFS) approach, we have a copy of the CFS tool kit. My reception leader also plans to lead a training session for all of the EYFS staff team, in order for the other EYFS practitioners to share our vision and improved way of working.
EXTENDING INTERACTIONS
Outside we will provide large cardboard boxes, dens and shelters, along with quiet corners for children to chat in pairs and small groups. Areas will be sectioned off from the wheeled toys and bikes to make sure quiet areas are available outside as well as inside.
A large number of children enter our nursery with below-average levels of speech. We hope the improved learning environment and enhanced staff understanding of CFS will support language development, with staff scaffolding and extending children's vocabulary by interacting with them during child-initiated play and dialogical book talk.
