Giocomotiva
Via Gioberti

Nursery Opening Hours

The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm.

• Arrival: 07.30 – 09.30
• First session: 12.30–13.00
• Second session: 4.00–4.30 pm
• Third session: 17.00–17.30

Settling into nursery

Settling into nursery is the time when every child and every family begins to get to know the nursery and to build their confidence in the environment, the people there and the new daily routine.

This is an important step, which requires time and attention. We support them every step of the way, with our educators on hand and with the flexibility that every family deserves.

The model we use is called Participatory Settling-in, as children and parents are very actively involved and take part in the nursery’s full daily routine 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 at the centre, and on the following days the children usually say goodbye to their parents for a few hours.
• We do not follow rigid routines or set timetables: every child has their own pace, and the settling-in process is built up day by day, as we listen to their cues and needs. When a child shows that they feel calm and secure, the time spent at the centre can be extended – even quite quickly – to a full day; in other cases, we proceed more gradually, respecting the child’s own pace and supporting them step by step towards full independence.
• The nursery teachers welcome the children and guide them throughout their time here with experience and sensitivity.

Italian–English bilingualism

At Giocomotiva in Via Gioberti, Italian and English are part of the children’s daily lives from their very first months.

Our team comprises both native English-speaking teachers and Italian teachers with a very high level of English. The children listen to and use the language whilst playing, during daily routines, whilst reading, singing and taking part in project-based activities.

The educational team creates an environment in which both languages become tools for communication, discovery and building relationships. English is integrated into the nursery’s daily routine.

Outdoor Education

In the garden, the children enjoy everyday experiences of play and physical activity in the open air, come into contact with the natural world and observe the changing seasons.

The nursery teachers support them with age-appropriate activities, whilst allowing scope for curiosity, social interaction and hands-on experience.

Outdoor Education complements the educational work carried out at the nursery and offers children new opportunities to learn about themselves, others and the world around them.

The rooms

We organise the spaces as learning and social environments, in which children can build knowledge through independence, movement, exploration and interaction with others.

In the sections, the children rejoin their own reference group and, day by day, build relationships, learning and independence through play and daily routines. Activities alternate between small and large groups, in an environment guided and supported by the attentive presence of the teachers.

Children can move between areas dedicated to symbolic play, physical activity and creative experiences.

In the workshop, children encounter light tables, easels, clay, natural objects and materials to work with. They can explore graphic, musical, physical, logical-mathematical and narrative forms of expression.

Together with families

Throughout the year, we organise opportunities for families to come together so that we can spend time together, exchange views, share experiences and support the children on their journey.

• Themed evenings – meetings 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.

Meetings with families promote an understanding of the projects currently underway and help parents to understand aspects of their children’s social development.