Fun in the Frog Room

Last updated 16:44, Tuesday, 19 August 2008

PEAR Tree Nursery in Longtown is all set for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Learn as you play: Left, nursery manager Vigdis Mykland with Thomas Forster at Pear Tree Nursery, Longtown. Above, Katie Ross

The new Frog Room, a purpose-built classroom, opened earlier this summer.

It features several different areas: arts and crafts, a reading corner, games and jigsaws, musical instruments, a role play area and a home corner with a kitchen.

A neat row of posters displays different numbers of stars. The children get one each every time they complete a task – this week it’s for tidying up after themselves – and when they have 10, they get to choose a treat.

Nursery manager Vigdis Mykland said: “The EYFS is play-based, so it gives children choices and opportunities and encourages them to be independent and take responsibility. With that in mind, we have made everything accessible in the new room. The room is decorated in light colours so it doesn’t take any focus away from the play aspect. Everything is within reach of the children so they can always get what they want, by themselves.”

In Vigdis’ native Norway, childcare has always been a major priority. Nurseries are purpose built and places are funded by the Government. Outdoor classrooms are also common.

Vigdis worked in schools and nurseries in Norway before moving to Cumbria, and found many benefits to outdoor learning, which she hopes to encourage more of at Pear Tree.

“We are trying to be a more dynamic part of the community. We go out for walks, and recently did a sponsored walk which raised a great amount of money for the nursery. We use the school garden more regularly and because it is a rural community we can go to the school field, which has sheep, cows and a tractor. Sometimes we go down to the River Esk and feed the ducks.

“Exploring the outdoors means it is more challenging and exciting. There is less arguing and fighting because they have more space. Also kids learn a lot through play. It is not just running around with no purpose, they are always learning, whether it’s how to socialise and respect each other or just using their imaginations.”

The Scandinavian approach to play and development, which embraces simplicity, also plays its part here. “In Norway you equip a nursery and everything is there for a purpose,” Vigdis explains. “You don’t need rooms filled with toys.

“A stick or a spade can become a gun or a tool, and when it is kept simple it promotes imagination. Here there is a place for everything, and we keep it tidy. Of course that changes if you are doing messy play or something special, but we try to keep everything in its place.”

So what do the children think of the new room? Three-year-old Natasha Davidson said: “The kitchen is my favourite. I like cooking for somebody.”

And Thomas Batey, also three, said: “I like the room. There is lots of stuff.”