Every child is unique and therefore every child learns in their own unique way. That is why at First Stages we take our lead from the child, using their own interest and enthusiasm to develop & extend their learning.

There are 6 Areas in which to learn which are, the creative play area, the home corner, the inquisitive minds area, the imaginative play area, the quiet time area and the outdoor play area.

Every day there will be focused activities which are adult lead, taking into consideration all of the above, such as: messy play, puzzle time & problem solving, arts & crafts, nature tracking, exploring our environment, cooking/baking class, and baby ballet, dance or tumble tots. Please note, these are just a few examples of what your little one may get up to on a daily basis - each day is as unique as each child!

conjuring up creations

Creative Play Area

This is where your child will express themselves through various media from paint, crayons, pencils, felt tips, paper mache, collage, glitter and salt dough to make their own masterpieces! We frequently centre these activities around relevant themes such as books, seasons, or recent national days. However, we will always take the child’s lead and sometimes it’s a heartwarming case of them wanting to create something special to surprise their family.

A Place to learn

Inquisitive Minds Area

This is where your child's natural curiosity is nurtured and encouraged! This area of learning is all about helping children understand the world around them through exploration and inquiry. We inspire young minds to ask questions like, "What's the biggest animal on Earth?" and delve into the fascinating answers. Through engaging books, captivating videos, and interactive activities, we make every discovery an adventure.

We seamlessly integrate elements of math, literacy, and science, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. From counting and measuring in fun experiments to storytelling and reading comprehension, your child will develop essential skills while satisfying their curiosity. Here, every day is an opportunity to explore, learn, and grow!

home from home

Home Corner

This is where children explore and understand the world around them through independent play. This area is equipped with a variety of toys, including baby dolls with bottles, cots, highchairs, and prams, a play kitchen, workbenches with tools, and a shop complete with tills, trolleys, baskets, and a selection of food.

Through imaginative play, children develop essential motor skills and learn about everyday tasks and roles. They practice fine motor skills by feeding dolls, cooking, and using tools, while role-playing in the shop enhances their social skills and understanding of real-world interactions.

The Home Corner provides a safe and engaging environment for children to mimic and make sense of their daily experiences, fostering both their physical development and cognitive growth.

Quiet time

Quiet Area

This a serene space where children can rest and recharge. This area is dedicated to nap time, ensuring that your child gets the rest they need. In addition to naps, the Quiet Area is perfect for story time and exploring books, fostering a love for both reading and imagination.

Children can also enjoy wooden puzzles and jigsaws, which help develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. For our younger ones, sensory play is a key feature, with activities like exploring the sensory lamp filled with enchanting marine life, stimulating their senses and promoting relaxation.

The Quiet Area is designed to be a peaceful haven where children can unwind, learn, and grow.

INFINITIte possibilities

Imaginative Play Area

This is where creativity knows no bounds! Here, children can transform a simple box into a car, turn the rug into a ship, use the chairs to form a train and make the settee a plane! These child-led activities encourage children to stretch their imaginations and explore endless possibilities.

With minimal adult intervention, we support and extend their imaginative play, helping to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions. The Imaginative Play Area is a dynamic space where your child's dreams and ideas take flight.

Get some fresh air

Outdoor Play Area

This is where children can let their energy run wild in a space designed for all ages. Our large lawn area is perfect for everyone - the older children enjoy the slide, football & nets, badminton, and the paddling pool in the summer. Toddlers also benefit from our fun ball pool area, plus our sand & water play areas are a hit with everyone! Children additionally take part in gardening activities, and mini beast explorations.

Outside, children can express their creativity with chalking on the flagged areas of the garden. Outdoor play is crucial for physical development, improving motor skills, coordination, and strength. It also fosters social interactions, teamwork, and a connection with nature, enhancing their understanding of the world.