The Sunshine Unit children are aged on average between 2 and a half years and 5 years. In the sunshine unit, the ratio is 1:4, 1:8 or 1:13 depending on the age of the children and qualifications of the staff with the children at the time and the room leader ensures ratios are kept through the day. This room operates slightly differently to the other rooms as the children are at a different stage of learning. Here, the children are encouraged to use their problem solving skills and independence at every stage of the day. We encourage them to piece together their previous learning, we give them lots of thinking time and we always ask open ended questions to allow the children to find their own solutions.

Our teacher works specifically with the older children supporting them through play in preparing them for school. She observes their interests, taps into these interests and develops their skills. She uses basic levels of phonics and works with the child, extending as the child dictates, she develops dexterity as part of the initial stages of writing. Together the staff work out the different styles of learning for the children and develop it accordingly.

We have extra classes for the children that want to participate such as Sports School, which enhances the children’s physical development, problem solving skills and working together as a team.

We also have enrichment classes such as yoga sessions, peaceful kids, language sessions, cooking, reading, creative activities, music and dance sessions with the children. All classes are voluntary and supportive of our continuous provision.

We also have educational visits from time to time such as Chicks at Easter time and visiting animals such as reptiles, and also a visit from the library who leave us new books to read, visits from emergency services, these all combine to keep the nursery interesting and developing all the time. We also encourage the parents to get involved, participating in events sharing the skills and talents, e.g. doctor talks and musicians.

The nursery like to encourage outings with the children which are based on the children's interests that we observe through play. In the community we have a number of parks, gardens and shops that we could also visit in small groups to support and extend on childrens interests.