Every day at Monkey Puzzle is full of new things to try. Our extra-curricular activities aren’t extras tacked onto the side they’re stitched right through the week, giving every child the chance to sing, stretch, cook, build, explore and discover.
Each session is shaped around the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Curiosity Approach, so play always has a purpose. Children build confidence, coordination, language and social skills almost without realising they’re learning. Sessions are gentle enough for our youngest babies and lively enough to keep older preschoolers fully engaged.
We work with trusted specialists qualified musical theatre teachers, yoga instructors, sports coaches and language tutors who visit each week to lead their sessions. Every child gets a turn, and every age group has something tailored to where they are.
Our Programme Of Activities
Tap a day below to see what your child gets up to this week.
Make it Monday
Sensory play with real ingredients - and a recipe for happy, healthy learners.
Make it Monday is a day filled with baking, cooking, and food related activities! Cooking with children is a simple and meaningful way to support early development, linking closely to the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Curiosity Approach. Children can explore different tastes, investigate ingredients, measurements, and develop fine motor skills whilst engaging with our dedicated chef, Caroline.
As little ones explore ingredients, cooking techniques and simple recipes, they build sensory awareness and older children begin to follow instructions, measure, mix and make choices, developing confidence, independence and early mathematics. These shared experiences encourage healthy eating habits and a natural curiosity about the world.
Marvin thinks these are great for
Terrific Football Tuesday
Strength, teamwork and the absolute joy of being active.
Get ready to kick off the fun! Tuesdays are about football themed activities with Little Footy Stars, offering children an exciting way to build strength, coordination and practise teamwork, linking closely to the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Curiosity Approach. Through simple games, drills and activities, little ones develop balance, control and spatial awareness while learning to listen, follow instructions and work together.
This child-led approach supports physical development and personal, social and emotional growth, building resilience, cooperation, and a positive attitude towards exercise – all whilst having fun with their friends!
Marvin thinks these are great for
Wiggle Wednesday
Sing and dance into Wednesdays by exploring music in lots of fun ways.
Midweek is all about movement – moving through dance, music and active games with Molly Moocow! These sessions provide a vibrant theme based curriculum that includes music, movement, singing, drama, stories and role play. Listening to and participating in music and movement stimulates children’s senses and every element of these structured sessions are designed to support children with each stage of their development – in line with the EYFS framework.
With themes changing half-termly, children are challenged to use imaginative skills, develop their cognitive skills, stimulate physical movement and coordination and develop self-assurance and confidence. Singing songs, rhymes and group games also supports with social skills and confidence.
Marvin thinks these are great for
Walk and Talk Thursdays
Kindness in the community - trips out and building friendships.
On Thursdays, we focus on getting out and about into the local community. Children visit the local park, high street, shops, train station and much more. They are able to learn more about their local community, the different occupations in the area, and about the different cultures which make up both our nursery and community. It’s a day that helps children feel connected and valued.
By learning more about our local community and being an active part of it, we are encouraging holistic growth and helping children develop communication and social skills through real experiences.
Marvin thinks these are great for
Feel Good Yoga Friday
Gentle activities to settle children into the weekend.
Let’s end our week feeling calm, relaxed and happy! On yoga & gymnastics Friday, the children take part in gentle stretches, simple yoga poses and mindful breathing techniques. These sessions are led by our wonderful team member Amber, a qualified gymnastics teacher, who will guide the children through fun and engaging activities designed to build their confidence, flexibility, focus, and calmness.
Through fun animal poses, balancing games and quiet time, the children learn to relax their bodies, focus on their minds and build on their confidence. This helps support their emotional wellbeing and improve flexibility!
