About Little Squirrels at Shrawley

Introducing British Sign Language (BSL) to your little one is an incredible opportunity to develop communication skills in an inclusive and engaging way. 

By adding signs into songs, stories, and everyday routines, we’re giving children another way to communicate while also helping them learn about inclusion and understanding from an early age.

At our setting, we love introducing British Sign Language (BSL) to the children by using simple signs alongside word to help little ones to express themselves, feel understood, and build their confidence.

BSL is a fun and interactive way to support language development for all children, and it can be especially helpful for those who are still finding their voice, have additional needs, or are learning English as an additional language.

Here at Little Squirrels we believe the outdoors is one of the best classrooms children can have. We are lucky enough to be a rural setting which gives us the best opportunities. 

Being outside gives little ones the freedom to explore, climb, run, and discover their gross motor skills. Whilst also discovering the world around them in a way that is both exciting and hands-on.

A day of outdoor play might see children putting on their wellies to go on a bug hunt, working together to build a den, collecting sticks and leaves for nature art, or cooking up “mud pies” in the mud kitchen. These simple but magical experiences help children develop problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a love of the natural world. Outdoor play also promotes helping little ones to build confidence, develop physical skills, and use their imaginations in new and creative ways. Every moment outside is a chance to learn and grow.

Fresh air, open space, and nature also support children’s wellbeing, helping them to feel calm, happy, and connected to the world around them.

Here at Little Squirrels talking, listening, and sharing ideas are at the heart of everything we do. In our setting we promote strong communication and language skills give our little ones the building blocks they need for learning, friendships, and confidence.

Everyday routines, songs, stories, and playtime all provide opportunities for children to develop their vocabulary and learn how to express themselves. We as setting model language, ask open-ended questions, and give children time to think, process and respond, helping them to feel valued and heard.

Communication at Little Squirrels will look like, children joining in with morning circle time singing to the welcome song and saying “good morning” to their friends whilst using sign too. Moving onto free play and during this time of day children will listen to their favorite stories, singalong to nursery rhymes, chat with friends in role-play, or describe bugs they’ve found outside.Each of these moments is an important step in building strong communication skills.

Communication is more than just talking, it is promoting listening skills and understanding too, here at Little Squirrels our is to support our little ones in developing all areas of their communication development to build them to be the best, most confident version of themselves. 

By nurturing a love of language early on, we give children the tools they need to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with the world around them.

  In our setting, we believe it’s important for children to grow up knowing that the world is full of different people, traditions, and ways of life - and that every culture is something to be celebrated.

Through stories, songs, food and play, we give children the chance to explore and enjoy the richness of different cultures. This helps them to develop respect, kindness, and curiosity, while also recognising and valuing their own backgrounds.

A range of fun experiences help little ones to see the beauty in diversity and to understand that everyone is special in their own way.

By celebrating multiculturalism from the earliest years, we’re helping children build a foundation of inclusion, acceptance, and friendship that will stay with them as they grow.