Curriculum
Barnabas follows the Early Years Foundation Stage. We are confident that the principles of the curriculum can be included within the ethos of the setting without compromising the traditional values which are appreciated so much by parents. Whilst recognising the importance of learning through play and wider experiences, Barnabas also recognises the significance of the adult in a child’s development.

• Music

We introduce children to a wide range of music, including nursery rhymes, traditional songs, classical, rock n roll and on occasions heavy rock!  Almost every day, children enjoy singing, dancing and/or playing instruments along to the teacher's voice or to recorded music. Sometimes we even have live music 'jams' with professional musicians as our guests. 

• Cooking

Barnabas children have plenty of opportunities to learn some of the basics of cooking. A cooking activity for snack takes place on a different day each week. Favourites include; making biscuits, cheese straws, hot cross buns, breads, rusks, cakes and vegetable soups (made with fresh vegetables purchased by the children at the market).

• Gardening
  

The children grow flowers, vegetables and trees from seeds, bulbs, acorns and conkers. Recently they have been able to take home their own irises, daffodils, sunflowers, oak tree saplings and cress heads. They also plant and nurture seed potatoes. Having dug, weighed them and packaged them, the potatoes are sampled at snack time as well as being sold on to parents. The children regularly contribute to making our site as wildlife-friendly as possible by making bird fat balls, lacewing lodges, bug hotels and more. 

• Outings

The location of Barnabas (just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Woodbridge) enables a variety of outings to take place regularly. Favourites include; shopping for snack at the bakery and market, choosing books at the library, exploring the river and walking to Melton Woods. 
We travel further afield by bus as well as by train and have discovered the excitement of mornings spent exploring Rendlesham Forest and Foxburrow Farm, petting lambs at Baylham Rare Breeds Farm and trips to Ipswich Museum, Ipswich Transport Museum and Christchurch Mansion.

A Typical Day?

• Indoors
  

On a 'typical' day, after our short adult-focused group time, the children enjoy free play by moving between the main play room and kitchen. Activities, which change on a daily basis, might include small world play, construction, science box, maths related resources and mark making.  Aside from baking and snack time, the kitchen is also the hub for playdough and more messy activities such as shaving foam and colour mixing cornflour gloop. Either room is used for a daily craft projects. The scullery, which stores much of our craft material, is also useful for sand and water activities. This choosing time is then followed by all the children joining together for snack, book time and then a rousing music session in Room 2. Then we head outside!

• Outdoors

Outdoor experiences are very important at Barnabas and take place for a good proportion of each session. We make full use of the large, shady, back garden and enclosed, walled courtyard. In the front courtyard, children can enjoy zipping along on vehicles, setting up a den, water play, small world lay-outs, craft and messy play. In the big back garden, they can use the space imaginatively by climbing, swinging, running, gardening and by using the sandpit, hoops, balls, playhouses and slides.