Innerwick Early Years Setting The 1140 Expansion of Hours... the journey so far March 2019 Innerwick Primary School, East Lothian, Scotland Enjoying … eating together … resting together … learning together

1140 Planning Early Years Practitioners understood from the outset that children should be fully involved in the process of change and have a voice. Children were asked if they had any concerns about the additional hours and also what they hoped to do with the extra time. Child: “I’m nervous going to the lunch room”. Adult: “Let’s go and visit the lunch room”. Child: “I will feel happy”. “Because we are going to feel happy… more time to make toys, paint, more friends”. Floorbook Conversations “The Child’s Voice” “Because I get more time to play… because it’s fun… play with my friends”. “Because I’m going to play Sharks and Duplo. Sometimes I’m sad, but I will be fine when I’m sad”.

The 1140 Expansion of Hours started on Monday 21st January 2019 The first new experience was eating lunch in the school hall. Very quickly lunch became something the children looked forward to. They enjoy socialising together, are developing self-help skills and becoming confident, independent individuals.

The social experience is enjoyed by all New environment New food New friends New skills The social experience is enjoyed by all

Quiet Time After lunch children prepare their own beds and settle down for some relaxation. Quiet time restores children’s energy levels, in preparation for more learning through play.

The new table Through 1140 funding the school was provided with a table specifically for the early years children. There is plenty of room for older children to sit with us. Eating and communicating together develops social confidence

The new resources With 1140 funding we purchased resources to enhance outdoor learning. Developing the outdoor environment was identified as a priority in the setting’s Improvement Plan 2018-19. Practitioners identified that children should play outdoors for the majority of the additional hours. The new resources were to support deeper engagement in play. Making decisions together about where each resource should go and how to play with it.

Children chose some resources for inside - they investigated the potential for learning.

The new sandpit Children spend long periods of time playing collaboratively, using their imagination to create and problem-solve with sand. The sandpit has been a resounding success. Practitioners built the sandpit themselves, learning news skills alongside children.

The Occupations – Froebelian Practice Froebel believed children learnt important skills for life through first-hand experiences like weaving, woodwork and using clay. Our hope is that children not only develop future life skills but also immerse themselves in each new creative process.

Children use their imagination to develop ideas and concepts Children use their imagination to develop ideas and concepts. These ideas are expressed through the clay.

Children become immersed in clay work, they sustain engagement for long periods of time and remain calm, peaceful and content. Full involvement and well-being during play are strong indicators of children learning at a high-level.

The new water wall Children manage and manipulate water through static and flexible pipes. In doing so they are learning across the curriculum: properties of water, concepts like gravity and cause and effect, problem-solve design issues, think creatively and communicate ideas.

On reflection, Practitioners understand that their responsive approach to needs and well-considered planning enabled children to feel involved and nurtured during the transition to the 1140 hours. The 1140 Expansion of Hours has led to positive outcomes for children: Children have learnt new skills from each new experience Children have become more independent and self-assured Children have relished having longer periods of time to play Considerably more time is spent playing outdoors each day New friendships have flourished between different children Children have been very happy and content throughout the change Children’s self-esteem has developed alongside their ability to cope with change The staff at Innerwick Early Years Setting wish to thank children and parents for their enthusiasm and commitment during this time of change – together we have made the 1140 hours a success story.