Aims and Ethos

Harbour Bears Pre-School are a cross-community voluntary pre-school within the harbour ward of Larne who provide funded places for twenty-four pre-school children each year. We are the only pre-school provider within a mile radius and have been operational for over 55 years, making us the longest operating pre-school in Larne. Full-time and part-time places are available for children with a starting age from three years.

Learning Development

All activities provided at Harbour Bears aim to provide children with the opportunity, through play and other experiences, to develop learning associated with the six areas of the Pre-School Curriculum as directed by the Department of Education. A short summary of these areas follows:

Language Development

Children begin to recognise their own first name and create pictures to convey their thoughts and feelings. They experiment using symbols and patterns and engage in early attempts at writing using a variety of drawing and writing materials.

The Arts

Children explore a variety of materials, appreciating their colour, shape, texture and sound. They express their ideas, communicate feelings, use their imagination and make simple representations using a range of materials.

Early Mathematical Experiences

Children solve problems as they play; questioning, predicting and experimenting. During play they sort, match, order, sequence and count. They learn number rhymes and songs, and listen to stories which contain an element of mathematics.

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Children have a sense of personal worth. They show increasing self-confidence, self control and self discipline. They enjoy relationships with adults and other children and can work both independently or as part of a group. They are learning to share, take turns, follow and lead.

Physical Development and Movement

Children enjoy physical play and the sense of freedom it brings. They have developed awareness of space and of others and are beginning to use space imaginatively. They move confidently with increasing control and co-ordination.

The World Around Us

Children observe, explore, investigate and select materials and equipment in a range of situations. They ask questions about why things happen and how things work. They begin to recognise parts of the body, use their senses to explore and identify a variety of familiar sounds.

Pre-school child's hand print in red paint

Our Ethos

Harbour Bears Pre-School aims to work in partnership with parents and the local community to promote a friendly, welcoming environment that is inclusive to all. We aspire to embed self-confidence in all children and make their first learning experience a positive one, creating the foundations to grow and flourish.

Pre-school child's hand print in green paint

Harbour Bears' Pre-School Larne Day Schedule

Aims and Ethos

Learning Development

Language Development

The Arts

Early Mathematical Experiences

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Physical Development and Movement

The World Around Us

Our Ethos

Activities

Yoga

Music

Art

Storytime

Outings

Construction

Imaginative Play

Cookery

Gardening

Puzzles

Physical Activity

And Much More