Our Children
Caterpillars
Our 2 Year Olds
Ratio 1:5
​Communication & Language
Growing confidence using words, gestures, and simple sentences.
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Understanding short instructions like “coat on please” or “tidy up time”.
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Listening to stories, songs, and rhymes.
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Learning new words through play, conversation, and shared experiences.
​Personal, Social & Emotional Development
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Building strong, trusting relationships with key adults.
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Learning to separate from parents and carers with increasing confidence.
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Beginning to play alongside other children and join in simple play.
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Expressing feelings with words, signs, or visuals
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Developing early self‑care skills such as handwashing, toileting, and feeding.
​Physical Development
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Strengthening big movements through climbing, running, balancing, and outdoor play.
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Developing hand and finger control through mark‑making, playdough, puzzles, and small tools.
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Practising using cutlery, jugs, and simple tools safely.
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Learning about keeping healthy — sleep, food, movement, and hygiene.
Butterflies
Our 3 & 4 Year Olds
Ratio 1:8
​Communication and Language
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Listen to stories, songs, and instructions for longer periods.
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Follow simple routines and two‑step instructions.
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Use longer sentences to share their ideas, needs, and experiences.
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Ask questions and take turns in conversations.
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Build vocabulary through play, books, and real experiences.
​​Personal, Social & Emotional Development
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Build positive relationships with adults and other children.
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Play cooperatively, share, and take turns.
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Understand and talk about their feelings.
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Begin to manage emotions with simple strategies and adult support.
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Develop independence in toileting, dressing, and self‑care.
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Understand simple rules and routines that help everyone stay safe.​
Physical Development
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Developing balance, coordination, and control through climbing, running, jumping, and riding wheeled toys.
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Learning to use tools safely and effectively (scissors, paintbrushes, mark‑making tools).
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Building hand strength through play (playdough, threading, construction).
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Beginning to show a preference for a dominant hand.
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Learning about healthy choices around food, hygiene, and physical activity.
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Practising self‑care skills such as washing hands, using cutlery, and managing clothing.
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How children learn
Children between 2 and 4 learn in wonderfully natural ways. Their brains are developing rapidly, and they make sense of the world through play, relationships, and hands‑on experiences. Preschool builds on this by offering the right mix of freedom, support, and challenge.
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Learning Through Play
Play is the most important way young children learn. It helps them develop language, confidence, problem‑solving, and imagination. Children learn best when they can:
• Explore materials like sand, water, paint, blocks, and role‑play resources.
• Follow their own interests and curiosity.
• Try things out, make mistakes, and try again.
• Use their imagination to act out real‑life experiences.
Play is not “just fun” — it’s how children build the foundations for later learning.
Learning Through Relationships
Warm, responsive adults make all the difference.
Children learn best when:
• They feel safe, valued, and understood.
• Adults join their play, model language, and extend their ideas.
• They have opportunities to play with other children and build friendships.
• Adults help them manage emotions through calm, supportive interactions.
Strong relationships give children the confidence to explore and learn
Learning Through Repetition and Routine
Children thrive on predictability. They learn best when:
• Routines are familiar and consistent.
• They can practice skills again and again.
• Stories, songs, and language are repeated regularly.
• They know what to expect next.
Repetition helps children remember, understand, and feel secure.