Giocomotiva
La Pinetina

Nursery Opening Hours

The nursery is open from Monday to Friday, from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm.

• Admission: 08.00 – 09.30
• Part-time finish time: 12.45
• Full-time finish times:
  16.45-17 / 17.30-17:45 *
• Afternoon admission: 12.45
• Afternoon sessions: 5.45 pm–6.00 pm

You can opt for part-time study.

Settling into nursery

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

It 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 a parent or a caregiver present. 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.
• There are no rigid rules; if the children are willing, they’ll be attending full-time within a few days. Conversely, the transition takes longer, depending on how the child responds.
• The nursery teachers welcome the children and guide them throughout their time here with experience and sensitivity.

A project that grows with the children

At the start of the year, we observe the children as they play, interact with one another and explore their surroundings. We try to understand what really interests them and what questions are emerging.

These observations form the basis of the educational programme for the year. We then continue to observe what happens: the children grow up, their interests change and they make new discoveries. The programme changes with them too.

Our role is to create opportunities, select materials, prepare the learning environments and support the children as they experiment, explore and develop their own ways of understanding the world.

Daily life at the nursery

At the nursery, children grow through the little things in everyday life. Welcoming them, lunch, nap time and moments of care are all part of the relationship we build with each child.

Let’s give the day a calm and familiar rhythm: routines help children understand what’s going to happen and feel secure.

Within this framework, we make room for play, relationships, movement and the time needed to do things at a leisurely pace.

Outdoor Education

At La Pinetina, most social and educational activities take place outdoors. Playing in nature encourages physical activity, independence, creativity and curiosity.

The garden is a special place where children can move about, observe, invent, experiment and learn about the natural world. A leaf, the soil, water or a change in the weather can all spark a new discovery. Let’s give children the time to explore and follow their own curiosity.

We are right there with them: we observe, suggest new materials, ask questions and support whatever emerges from their play. We experience the indoor spaces and the garden as part of the same experience. What we discover outside can continue indoors, and what emerges in the classroom can open up new experiences outdoors.

The rooms

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

In the sections, the children rejoin their groups and enjoy play, socialising and daily routines. The groups also take part in small- and large-group activities, always under the watchful eye of the teachers.

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

The garden is a true extension of the nursery. We experience it as a natural continuation of the indoor spaces and of the activities that take place throughout the day. Inside, we find more intimate spaces, materials and opportunities to pause, explore a discovery in greater depth or revisit what we have encountered outdoors.

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

• Individual meetings – to discuss each child’s development together
• Meetings and assemblies – to discuss the educational programme and the day-to-day running of the nursery
• Workshops with families – to share some experiences together
• Themed meetings – to discuss issues relating to early childhood
• Outings – opportunities to spend time together outside the nursery
• Management Committee – a forum where families can get involved and put forward suggestions

The educational programme is shared with families because the children’s development is also fostered through dialogue and collaboration between the nursery and the home.