Bananas is a purpose built room, completed in Summer 2016 as part of our extension. The area is light, bright and airy and is capable of being sectioned off to allow different activities to take place at the same time. It has also given us a glass-roofed outside play area which allows free-flow activity from the room and is readily available for the other rooms to use.
When children progress to Bananas, they will learn to identify colours, shapes, and to enjoy books. Activities such as threading and colour sorting, peg jigsaws, construction bricks and counting games are ongoing, together with the larger play equipment, farms, fire stations, and the Home Corner. Whilst they are in this room, children will be introduced to the potty training routine, and they will be taught bathroom hygiene and independence in self-care. 'Birth to Three' helps to plan a day which encourages younger children to develop across four areas; the healthy child, the strong child, the skilful communicator and the competent learner. The theme based work of the older children is adapted for this age group in different areas of knowledge, number and alphabet. Children will experience various paint techniques, sand and water play. Their developmental progress will be monitored by their key worker alongside the 2 year progress check in consultation with parents.
After a first career in retail, Sarah was warmly welcomed to Monkton in 2013, where she has been embraced by all the children and staff. She completed NVQ Level 3 in 2015 and is now working towards a teaching qualification.
Jennifer is qualified to NVQ Level 3 and she is an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner. She is very popular with the children and is perfectly suited to the Bananas age group. She has twin daughters, Lucy & Emily.
Leonie’s role at Monkton has continued to grow organically – she started with us in 2014 helping Lydia in the kitchen. She then began covering staff holidays in the rooms and has now become a permanent Nursery Practitioner. She has a degree in Childhood Studies and NNEB Diploma and she has a particular interest and skill in working with children with additional needs. She is mother to 4 school age children.
Christina is originally from Greece and has settled in Liverpool with her husband. She is a qualified teacher and we feel very blessed that she came to Monkton. Christina leads Bananas with kindness, imagination and fun – everything a 2 / 3 year old needs! She is an inspirational educator and she brings out the best in her children and staff.
Janet joined us in May 2003, after spending many years as Kitchen Supervisor at Asda Stores Staff Canteen. As part of her hours she has always worked in the pre-school rooms after her duties in the kitchen. We were lucky enough that a change of circumstances allowed us to place her in Bananas as a full time Nursery Practitioner. Jan has flourished in this role and has shown that her true calling was definitely in childcare. She is loved by all of the children and always on hand for cuddles and baking activities!
Amber moved to Liverpool in 2019 and joined Monkton. She has quickly become a valued member of the Bananas team as she is lots of fun and keeps the children and staff smiling. She is currently studying for her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare.