The term Jabadao won’t mean much to most people. But for one Ipswich pre-school, it is transforming child development.
A new plastic dome is the centrepiece of a new developmental play area at Heathlands Community Pre-School in Rushmere St Andrew, rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. There are large exercise balls and other equipment. Staff are instructed to remain silent as children, in pairs, explore their new environment.
“Children who are normally very quiet are coming out of their shell,” manager Marie Fennell said.
Jabadao is a national charity which works with schools and communities to improve physical wellbeing.
Mrs Fennell added: “We are one of only a few settings offering this. Children’s confidence is growing, they are learning problem-solving skills, and they are taking risks because we are not talking to them. It is their space and their rules and boundaries. It’s great.”
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