Rydal Penrhos Daily Notes – June 1
Day 49 from Rydal Penrhos’ keyworker childcare provision – 20 pupils, 8 staff
On the day when some schools in England re-opened their doors to some ‘bubbles’ of pupils from some year groups, our keyworker pupils were disappointed that this was not happening here in Rydal Penrhos.
They looked expectantly towards me for an explanation. Learning a long time ago that it’s never a good idea to get into political decisions with children, and knowing that the rate of Covid-19 fluctuates across the country, I decided to answer with the ever-popular cop-out clause, “I’m not sure”.
This baffled them temporarily as they hadn’t actually asked a question…but their confusion lasted long enough for me to follow up this pearl of wisdom with, “Who wants to play outside?”
Got them now, disappointment forgotten they rushed into the sunny playground and a new set of adventures for the day!
The weather has leant itself to government guidelines about keeping children outdoors as much as possible.
It has been wonderful to observe how children have developed with their imaginative ideas for games, using toys and items which they had long ago abandoned or forgotten about.
I know from emails with many of our parents that our pupils at home have been experiencing a similar upsurge in imaginative play.
Regular readers of this blog will know that I often comment about observations I have made in the playground.
Today I was struck by how children of different ages can make an imaginative game with any willing participant; senior school pupils helping prep and pre-school children is now a daily occurrence but yesterday I noticed that our youngest children often lead the way as playmakers.
Today Mr Kitchen played some of his best (and most desperately competitive) football against a pre-schooler!
A senior school PE teacher was told in no uncertain terms the rules of the game and Mr Kitchen’s ball control was called into question with consistently withering comments.
You’re never too young to call the shots! You’re never too old to learn how to duck!! Keep practising Mr Kitchen!
Mrs Lucy Davies
Head of Rydal Penrhos Prep School
