The world can be a challenging place for a young mind. At Red Bus we support your child with managing their emotions and behaviour, and promoting their general wellbeing.
We know how important it is that children are listened to. Children are always invited to discuss their thoughts and share their feelings. Each room carries a set of Bear themed ‘emotion cards’, which help children identify what they are feeling at the time.
The children also take part in a variety of mindfulness activities such as yoga or meditation. Each room has a calmer, quieter area where children can go if they need to relax.
Our rooms and gardens are designed to encourage children to move and explore. We operate a ‘free-flow’ system, where children have access to both indoor and outdoor environments and can choose where they want to play.
Our Nursery rooms house a baby gym, where even our youngest passengers can stretch, crawl and lift themselves up. In Kindergarten, children can explore a vast variety of movements - independently running, jumping, climbing and sliding in our exciting gardens and indoor units. Pre-Schoolers begin to understand instructions and working with others, taking part in dances, stretches and physical games as well as learning more about how the body works.
Diet and nutrition also play a part, as children learn about what food does and how it helps them grow. They will also take part in activities surrounding oral health, through demonstrations with model teeth and discussions on what we can do to keep our mouths healthy!
"If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs."
-Nicolette Sowder
There are so many benefits to children playing and learning outside, particularly at such an early stage in their lives! Time outdoors allows children to become more resilient, curious, independent and creative. It gives opportunities to play with others and learn more about themselves as individuals.
We have beautiful landscaped gardens, with equipment for physical play, nature areas, mud kitchens and vegetable patches. We also provide opportunities for children to visit nature in a wider sense, going on trips to the local woodlands and streams. Here children can connect with nature, learn about their community, learn to take risks and explore new environments.
Children can attend Red Bus for up to 11 hours a day - a long time for them not to become frustrated! It is our job to support children through these times.
When it comes to children’s behaviour, we stress the importance of consistency. Our staff tune into what children are doing and saying and using the OWLING technique.
Observe Wait Listen
Used consistently, it allows children to communicate how they are feeling. Children are praised and acknowledged when they display positive actions and attitudes, helping them feel valued and respected. They are encouraged to take turns with each other and supported to conflict resolve with their peers.
If you would like to read our full Behaviour & Attitudes policy, please contact the setting.
A healthy, balanced diet is key to giving children the best start in life! At Red Bus children are offered a breakfast, lunch and a light afternoon tea as well as morning and afternoon snacks.
Each of our settings has an on-site kitchen, managed by experienced chefs with a passion for quality food and nutrition. They use their experience and research to create our menus, which not only follow nutritional guidelines from the Eat Better, Start Better pack and Public Health but are full of variety and interest too!
Mealtimes at Red Bus are about so much more than the delicious food. It's a time for children to explore their likes and dislikes, to try new foods, and to bond with their peers and care givers. Our staff are encouraged to sit with the children, role model good mealtime practices and discuss the food they are eating. Promoting independence is key, as children are encouraged to 'self serve' where appropriate.
