Some children will take to nursery quicker and easier than others, our staff are used to such situations and will work with you to make the settling-in period as easy as possible for both you and your little one. Please be aware though, that for some children this can take weeks rather than days, but rest assured our staff will be there to support you both.
We recommend a minimum of 2 visits plus a key person visit before your child starts nursery properly. This will be discussed with you after you have received your welcome pack from the relevant department.
Your key person is a member of staff specifically assigned to you and your little one. They will be responsible for making your little one feel safe and cared for.
All parents are advised to attend the key person visit as this gives both home and nursery an opportunity to get to know each other before your child starts. We will also discuss your child’s routine, likes/dislikes, dietary requirements and stage of development.
In line with current guidelines, should your little one need to nap, we encourage all babies to sleep on their backs and check them every 10 minutes.
Your child's happiness is of utmost importance to us, and if it is clear that they have not settled after a reasonable period of time, we will meet with you and discuss the best route to take going forward.
About a month before your little one is due to start nursery you will be sent a welcome pack from the relevant department.
This will give you more information about the things your child will need to bring to nursery.
Mothers who are breast feeding are welcome to visit the nursery to feed their babies, or if that is not possible, to bring in supplies of their own milk in a labelled bottle.
The nursery will be ready, warm and welcoming for when you arrive. We have a flexible routine that incorporates a balance of adult and child initiated activities. Each child is planned for according to their individual needs and interests.
We follow the guidance and standards set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework which aims to provide a structure for children from birth to 5 years old.
Our daily structure in each department has been approved by Ofsted. As always, if you would like to discuss anything relating to this please see a member of staff.
The Bunnies and Hedgehog Departments maintain daily reports of your little ones activities. The Owls Department send home a weekly booklet that lists the activities they have participated in with their individual key worker at circle time. In addition there is a white board in the cloakroom area giving you a list of general activities and snack choices, updated daily.
Our staff are always available to talk to, and we hope by achieving a close working relationship with you that it will help to identify your child’s needs and learning journey.
The nursery hours are as follows:
Monday to Friday inclusive 8.00am to 6.00pm Excluding Bank Holidays.
The Bunny Room is comprised of two large play spaces, including sensory play areas, book corner and ball pool. A kitchen, fully equipped dining area and separate changing area. A relaxing sleep room with exclusive access to Sweet Dreamers® products including the multi-award winning ewan the dream sheep®. Two exclusive outdoor play areas as well as further access to three larger play areas shared with the other two departments, including orchard and grassed areas.
Hedgehog Corner is comprised of two large play spaces, including messy play area, book corner and role play. A kitchen, fully equipped dining area, separate changing area and children's toilet. A relaxing sleep room with exclusive access to Sweet Dreamers® products including the multi-award winning ewan the dream sheep®. A large outdoor play area as well as further access to two larger play areas shared with the owls department, including orchard and grassed areas.
Owls is comprised of four large play spaces, including messy play areas, book corner role play and a free flow outdoor area. A kitchen, fully equipped dining area, multiple children's toilets and separate changing area. A large outdoor play area as well as further access to three larger play areas shared with the other two departments, including orchard and grassed areas.