Outings provide new opportunities to interact with the world around us. Children at La Casita enjoy a variety of regular outings to help them expand their learning through enjoyable, educational experiences.
La Casita is situated within minutes’ walk from Stoneham and Wish Parks, which we visit regularly. Hove Museum, Hove library and the beach are also regular visits.
Among our children’s first experiences are posting letters to ‘Los Reyes Magos’ or Father Christmas, shopping for fruit or vegetables or even selling our biscuits to fundraise for one of our supported charities.
Some outings may involve taking busses into town and prior parental permission would be required.
Safeguarding remains paramount at all times and outings are no exception. Risk assessments are drawn or revised prior to each outing. Ratio of adult:children are given careful consideration and set for each specific outing depending on children’s ages and capabilities. Typically, babies will go out on a 1:2, toddlers on a 1:3 and pre-schoolers on a 1:4 basis.
WILD BEACH
Being so close to the sea… regular visits to the beach are a must!
Meritxell, joint owner and manager of La Casita, has been awarded a Level 3 Wild beach Leader by Sussex Wildlife Trust (accredited by Open College Network, West Midlands).
Wild Beach encourages outdoor play and child-led learning, in a relaxed but educative environment. We may decide to pile stones to see how the tide goes up or down, or observe algae change colour when placed in hot water. Whatever the day brings, it will certainly be fun!
“Staff encourage children to be aware of the importance of protecting their environment, for example, through children’s involvement in helping to clean litter from their local beach.”
COOKING
Cooking is part of our day to day activities at La Casita. We follow simple recipes and children practice a variety of skills, such as measuring, weighing, kneading, cutting, peeling, sequencing… and much more.
“Children of all ages relish the variety of sensory activities provided. ”
It’s hugely popular and the end result is even better than the learning process as we get to eat it all together!
SPORTS and EXERCISE
We believe that sport, and exercise in general, should be seen like part of our daily life, rather than a purposeful activity. Therefore, we do not usually plan specific sport sessions but rather they ‘happen’ organically, both indoors and outdoors.
Children keep active throughout the day and are free to experiment with body movement. As children’s interests are at the centre of all we do, they are free to use any of the equipment available. Our garden features a climbing wall and some rooms have access to an indoor climbing frame and trampoline.
MUSIC and DANCE
Singing encourages children to express their emotions and sharpens their ability to communicate while exercising lip and tongue movement. One of the biggest benefits of singing is the repeated use of the 'memory muscle'. Music and dancing are an essential part of our day, regardless of children’s age.
Singing is used as a great opportunity to introduce both languages and children sing along to a wide collection of songs in both Spanish and English. We enjoy a variety of action songs in both languages, as well as different musical styles and eras. Dancing and corporal movement happens organically during music time and we encourage free expression.
ART & HANDS-ON EXPLORATION
Each unit has several corners, or even a room, dedicated to art and hands-on exploration, where children are free to explore a wide range of materials and resources. This well-stocked areas provide our babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers with an opportunity to express themselves freely, without being afraid of making mistakes or feeling that they will be judged.
Not only do we work on horizontal surfaces but also on vertical ones as they provide many developmental benefits. Art is also a medium where children develop their communication skills by interacting creatively with each other. Children are free to access these spaces any time they wish to.