Club Format

Philosophy

We believe that every child is unique and consequently no 'one size fits all' educational philosophy can apply. As mums ourselves, we understand the importance for children to be able to express themselves freely, without infringing others. This can only happen in an environment where the child feels happy and secure. At McTot's we work hard to achieve this. We believe in the value of positive reinforcement, active listening and working in tandem with you and your child.

Activities

We offer a range of different learning activities as follows:

Role Play
Singing
Dancing
Books and Stories
Home Corner
Baking
Drawing
Painting
Gluing
General Crafts
Puzzles
Construction Toys
Sand and Water Play

We also explore different festivals and celebrations from around the world. This can include everything from Chinese or Scottish New Years to Scandinavian Advent events - all in English of course!

We also celebrate McTot's members' birthdays in a special way with a cake and small gift. Birthday games and songs are also essential!

At McTot's we offer fun with a 'Celtic Twist', - reflecting our own Scottish culture. So, certainly there are some stories to tell about the Loch Ness Monster, men wearing kilts and the lesser known flying haggis .........

A framework

As a general framework, we use the early learning goals for young children, as outlined in the UK National Curriculum for the Foundation Level. These areas of learning are as follows:

1) Personal, Social and Emotional Development
2) Communication, language and literacy
3) Mathematical development
4) Knowledge and understanding
5) Creative Development
6) Physical Development

We cannot claim to be able to cover the entire framework over a specified period of time as we are not a formal 'Pre School' or 'Kindergarten'. However, what we can promise is that we do incorporate as many elements of the framework as possible into our planned activities.

Free Play

It is fascinating to watch young children absorbed in their play. Unaware of the inquisitive adult spectator, their inhibitions lift and they enter a world of make believe, pretend and invention. Through their play, children act out imaginary roles, imitate real-life scenes and encounter new, previously unvisited situations.

Such play is crucial to the child as it provides many of the experiences and interaction necessary for the child's healthy intellectual, emotional and social development. It allows the child freedom to explore and make sense of his or her ever-changing world, to solve problems and to follow his or her curiosity.

Free Play is therefore an important part of McTot's activities. Our role is to create the right environment, provide the stimuli and equipment and to gently observe as new adventures unfold. Help is on hand of course, if required!

Play is hungry work!

To ensure that little fuel tanks are adequately stocked up, we provide a healthy mid morning snack of seasonal fruit and bread. You are asked to inform us if your child has any particular dietary requirements or allergies on our application form.

[top]