Tulips

A bit about the room...

Children typically move into the Tulips room at around 12 to 14 months of age and remain there until they reach approximately 18 months. This room maintains a staffing ratio of 1:3, ensuring each child receives focused attention and care. It is designed to accommodate between 9 and 12 children at any one time, providing a comfortable and nurturing environment tailored to toddlers’ unique needs.

The Tulips room features a combination of carpeted areas for quiet and imaginative play alongside an uncarpeted space dedicated to messy play, allowing children to explore textures and sensory experiences freely. The room also includes access to appropriately sized toilets and sinks, which encourages the development of potty training skills and promotes good personal hygiene habits such as hand washing.

Planning supports the seven areas of learning and development as set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children enjoy a variety of activities, both self-initiated and adult-led, including sensory play, messy activities, and opportunities to experiment in a small kitchen area where they can explore food and baking, fostering creativity and practical skills.

Outdoor play is a key part of the daily routine, with children having access to a soft-play outdoor area where they can develop their physical skills safely. In good weather, the children regularly take outings to explore the local environment, with popular trips including visits to the nearby library for story time and music sessions that stimulate language and social development.

Daily adult-led circle time brings the children together for singing, games, and story reading, focusing on foundational concepts such as numbers, shapes, and colours to support cognitive development. The room’s toys are rotated regularly to maintain stimulation and interest, while continuous provisions like a reading corner and a home corner encourage imaginative and independent play.

Parents are kept well-informed of their child’s daily experiences and progress through detailed daily diaries, observations, and photographs. Regular reports are prepared by key persons to track development milestones and identify next steps. Parents are encouraged to actively contribute feedback and be involved in planning their child’s ongoing learning journey.

Intent of the Tulips room

For children to gain confidence as they gain control through walking and the introduction of materials for developing gross and fine motor skills.
To start weaning and eat solid foods and begin to use cutlery.
Children to feel secure and safe in their environment by developing positive relationships.
For children to understand single words and enjoy songs and rhymes and begin the introduction of Circle Time