The Learning Environment

Our Nursery provides a well resourced learning environment for all our children. Qualified and experienced staff interact and engage with the children while showing support for each child's individual needs. An important concept of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) is that children learn best through making choices, play, experiences and resources that are made available on a regular basis.

We follow the EYFS delivered through an effective curriculum programme. This programme informs staff of the activities that need to be planned to meet the needs of every child. We assess each child’s individual needs by observing each child on a daily basis. We use photographs of children engaged in activities to inform staff and parents/carers of the child’s progress which are placed in the child’s ‘Learning Journal’ and given to each parent when the child leaves our care.

The EYFS also requires us to offer outdoor play opportunities to all children every morning and afternoon, regardless of the weather. Our newly designed outdoor play area supports learning and fun within a safe environment that supports choice. The children learn through play while following the EYFS curriculum, which consists of seven areas of learning:

Prime Areas

• Personal Social and Emotional
• Physical
• Communication and Language

Specific Areas

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Art and Design

Play underpins the delivery of the curriculum framework that all early years providers must deliver. All children under 5 years old will follow this curriculum. Throughout the nursery all children will have the support and guidance from our qualified Early Years Practitioners who will observe children and will plan and deliver a programme of activities that reflects the child’s interests, ensuring that the children have fun and enjoyment that is linked to discovery and learning.

Induction period for your child

Starting Nursery is often a young child's first venture into the larger world outside of their home without their family. What children experience and learn in their early years can create strong and lasting foundations on which to build in later life. We believe it is essential for these experiences to be of the highest quality. We also believe strongly that an induction period is essential for all children to ensure that they are introduced sensitively into their new Nursery environment.

We ensure that every child has at least 2 Induction Sessions, the first will last 1/2 hour where parents/carers complete the necessary paperwork and a further 1 hour session to allow the child more time to become acquainted with the staff and their surroundings. We are happy for more 1 hour sessions to take place to ensure that your child is settled before they start nursery.

Our staff are qualified Early Years Practitioners who have been selected to provide the highest standards of care and education for your child. Working as a cohesive team they are committed to making every child feel safe and welcomed.

Partnership with parents/carers

As parents and carers we recognise you are our most important partners and as the first and main educators of your children you are the people who make the greatest significant difference in your child's life. Therefore successful partnership between us is crucial in your child's success and well being. We provide Curriculum Evenings to inform parents/carers of how and why we deliver our programmes of learning throughout the nursery.

Key person

In our Nursery your child will have a designated Key Person who will follow his/her progress and development while at nursery. The Key Person will be happy to discuss with you at any time the wide range of activities we offer and the educational and developmental value of these activities. You will also be invited to Parents/Carers evenings where you will have the opportunity to discuss your child's progress and achievements with his/her Key Person. If your child’s Key Person is not available an alternative member of staff, i.e. buddy will be available to answer any of your enquiries.

Nursery to home diary

Your child will receive a 'Nursery to Home' diary sheet to help keep you updated on the activities they have experienced during their nursery day. You can also use this diary sheet as a means of communicating with staff when time constraints do not allow for a chat. If at any time you have any queries, comments or concerns (however small), please do not hesitate to discuss them with us.

Meals

Our Nursery provides fresh, healthy and nutritious meals prepared and cooked daily on the  College premises. We aim to provide a balanced diet and will try to provide for special dietary needs. However, if this is not possible we will work with parents/carers to find a solution to ensure the child can access food when in the nursery. Weekly menus are displayed in the entrance lobby and outside the nursery rooms. The menus are subject to change if orders are delayed or due to unforeseen circumstances. Children are provided with cereal and toast in the morning and a tea in the afternoon. Children are also encouraged to use the appropriate cutlery at meal times.

Parents/Carers are required to provide baby food, milk and juice until their child is able to accept the Nursery menu.