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.
Cultural Discovery Mondays
Learning more about the different cultures within our community.
On Mondays, we explore the different cultures that make up our nursery community. It’s a lovely way for children to learn about the world around them through stories, music, food, and play. Our babies enjoy sensory experiences, while older children might look at maps, try role play, or listen to stories from different cultures. We also really value input from our families whether that’s sharing a tradition, a favourite story, or something special from home.
Exploring different cultures helps to encourage cultural awareness, linking closely with the EYFS framework and the Curiosity Approach. It also promotes inclusivity by forming a respect for different cultures and a stronger sense of self.
Marvin thinks these are great for
Wellbeing Tuesdays
Helping children feel seen and supported to boost their wellbeing.
Tuesdays are all about helping children feel calm, confident, and understood. We spend time talking about feelings and giving children simple ways to manage them. For our younger children, this might be gentle sensory play or quiet time, while older children enjoy things like yoga, breathing exercises, and circle time. It’s all about helping them feel secure and supported as they grow.
Activities like yoga are great in helping to develop strength, balance, mindfulness and self-regulation, whereas sensory play for younger children is important in enhancing fine motor skills and emotional regulation. Both contribute to children’s overall wellbeing and development.
Marvin thinks these are great for
Community & Kindness Wednesdays
Kindness in the community - trips out and building friendships.
On Wednesdays, we focus on kindness and being part of a community. Through sharing, turn-taking, and playing together, children learn how to care for others and build friendships. Our preschool and toddler children take part in weekly visits to the local care and interact with residents, which they really enjoy. It’s a day that helps children feel connected and valued.
By promoting kindness within the community and with each other, we are encouraging holistic growth and helping children develop communication and social skills through real experiences.
Marvin thinks these are great for
Music and Movement Thursdays
Sing and dance into Thursdays by exploring music in lots of fun ways.
Thursdays are always full of energy! Shakers KIDS bring a lively program that blends fun, fitness, and learning for our children. We all know how powerful exercise is: it lifts your mood, boosts endorphins, and supports mental wellbeing. For children, the benefits are even more profound, supporting their growth, development, and happiness.
With weekly visits from Shakers KIDS, your little one will move, play, dance, and learn, all while building essential physical and social skills. Children love joining in with action songs and playing instruments and these sessions are great for building confidence and coordination. Each high-energy session is packed with music, rhythm, and creative props that inspire children of all abilities to join in. With fresh adventures and exciting new exercises introduced every term, Shakers KIDS keeps things dynamic, engaging, and fun for everyone!
Marvin thinks these are great for
Cooking Club Fridays
Sensory play with real ingredients - and a recipe for happy, healthy learners.
Fridays are all about getting hands on with food. 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. As little ones explore ingredients, they build sensory awareness, fine motor skills and early language – supporting the prime areas of development.
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. When children are involved, they’re more likely to take a taste, which is a lovely recipe for happy, healthy learners. They’re always so proud of what they’ve made and we love sharing that with families too.
