Giocomotiva
Piazza Sicilia

Nursery Opening Hours

Open Monday to Friday, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

• Reception: 08.00 – 09.30
• First screening: 12.30 – 12.45
• Second session: 4.00 pm – 4.30 pm
• After-school club 1: 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm

You can choose a part-time course (afternoon classes start at 3.00 pm). The minimum attendance requirement is 15 hours per week.

Extra Time packages must be selected on a monthly basis and are available whilst the service is active.

Settling into nursery

The settling-in period is when each child and their family begin to get to know the nursery and build trust in the surroundings, the people there and the new daily routine.

It is an important step, which requires time and attention. The nursery staff guide children and parents step by step, observing how each child adapts to the new environment and tailoring the process to their individual needs. The model we adopt is Participatory Settling-in, which involves children and parents in the life of the nursery right from the start.

How it works

• The first few days take place with the presence of a parent or a caregiver. The programme involves three days spent together at the centre, taking part in the various activities throughout the day.
• In the days that follow, the children usually say goodbye to their parents for a few hours.
• There are no rigid rules; if the children are willing, they’ll be attending full-time within a few days. Conversely, the transition period is gradually extended, in line with the child’s progress.
• The nursery teachers welcome the children and guide them throughout the entire programme with experience and sensitivity.

Italian–English bilingualism

At Giocomotiva in Piazza Sicilia, the English language is part of the children’s daily lives from their very first months.

The English language is woven into relationships, moments of care, play, reading, songs and project-based activities. The children encounter it naturally and consistently, within real-life and meaningful situations.

Nursery teachers and English teachers work together to create an environment in which both languages form part of communication, discovery and relationships. English is not taught as a separate subject, but as part of everyday life at the nursery.

Outdoor Education

At nursery, the outdoor experience stems from direct contact with our surroundings. Going outside means moving around, observing, listening and making small discoveries through the body and the senses.

In Piazza Sicilia, the programme extends to the neighbourhood and the areas around the nursery, with short outings tailored to the children’s ages. Thanks to the Kiddybus, even the youngest children can take part in exploring the local area and discover parks, streets and places that are part of everyday life.

A way, one step at a time, to learn about their surroundings and begin to feel part of them.

The settings and experiences

We organise the spaces to provide children with opportunities for independence, physical activity, reassurance and exploration.

In the different sections, the children rejoin their own group and enjoy play, socialising and daily routines. In the communal areas, they also meet children from other groups and explore different materials.

The large windows flood the ground-floor rooms with light. In the gym in the basement, the children can move around, experiment and develop new motor skills.

The workshop is a space dedicated to creative expression, where a variety of materials, tools and techniques enable children to explore, experiment and give shape to their thoughts.

The educational programme is enhanced by a music curriculum, which takes place in the morning and forms part of the children’s daily experiences at the nursery.

In the mornings, there is also an extracurricular dance class, which is an additional activity that families can choose to enrol their children in.

Together with families

Throughout the year, we organise family gatherings so that we can spend time together, exchange views, share experiences and support the children on their journey.

• Open Doors to Those Who Knock – informal get-togethers for parents
• Themed evenings – talks with experts on topics of common interest
• Meetings with families – presentation and evaluation of the educational programme, and meetings to address any needs that arise
• Christmas and New Year celebrations – moments of shared joy
• May outing – an outdoor outing for everyone: children, parents and nursery staff

We involve parents in their children’s learning: dialogue with parents is available at any time of the year, on an individual basis, should the family require it or wish to discuss matters in greater depth.

In January and May, individual meetings are held to review the child’s development; these provide valuable opportunities for educators and parents to exchange views.

Section meetings promote an understanding of ongoing projects and help parents to understand aspects of their children’s social development.