Opening hours and timetable
The nursery is open from Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) between the hours of 7.30 am – 6.00 pm. We also close in between Christmas and New Year. There is no charge for the days when we are closed over Christmas. Bank holidays are still charged although the nursery is closed. We regret that care can not be provided outside these hours, and parents should make other arrangements if they find themselves unable to collect their child by 6.00 pm. The nursery must be informed by the parents of any such changes and should ask for a password if someone else will be collecting the child.
Grouping of the children.
Children under the age of two are cared for on the ground floor, and over two’s are situated on the first floor.
CATERPILLARS 4 mths – 12mths
BUTTERFLIES 12 mths – 2 yrs
BUMBLE BEES 1.5 yrs – 2 ½ yrs
LADYBIRDS 2 yrs – 3 yrs
FIREFLIES 2 ½ yrs – 3yrs
DRAGONFLIES 3 yrs – school age
All age groups are approximate.
Timetable
Obviously, the timetable of the nursery day varies with the needs of each age group, but the following is a basic guide:
7.30: (onwards) Children are welcomed into all departments.
8.30: Breakfast for Caterpillars, Butterflies, Bumble bees, Lady birds, Fireflies and Dragonflies.
9.30: Structured activities and self chosen activities.
11.15: Lunch is served for the Caterpillars, Butterflies, and Bumble bees. This is followed by naps or quiet free play.
11.30: Lunch is served for the Ladybirds and Dragonflies.
2.00: Structured activities and self chosen activities.
3.15: Tea is served for the Caterpillars, Butterflies and Bumble bees.
3.30: Tea is served for the Ladybirds and Dragonflies.
4.00: Self chosen activities.
Throughout the day the children will be taken into the garden or for a walk.
Activities and educational programme
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage to plan suitable and appropriate experiences for children.
The range of activities offered by the nursery is appropriate to the age and stage of development of the children in each group. Within each group each child, although close in age, will be at different ability levels. The staff conduct regular observations of each child, so that they can see what stage the child is at and will plan opportunities and experiences to take each individual child onto their next steps in learning. Children learn through play, so every activity or piece of equipment has a purpose.
A list of the day’s activities will be displayed in each nursery department. The monthly planning will also be displayed, and a copy will also be sent home to parents. If parents are aware of what activities their child will be taking part in and what topics they will be covering, they will be in a better position to support their child’s learning at home.
The children will be able to access many activities throughout the day. They will be able to take part in whatever activity they choose and can help themselves to any piece of equipment. This encourages children to become independent learners and increases their self confidence.
Special educational needs
We aim to offer a caring and stimulating environments for all children. Children with special needs are welcomed at 0-2-5 nursery. We will work closely with parents and any other agencies involved with the child to secure the best possible outcomes for them and cater for their individual needs. We follow the new code of practice, which was devised in 2001. We also have a detailed special needs policy and a member of staff named as S.E.N.C.O (special educational needs coordinator) who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the policy and coordinating the children through ‘early years action’ and ‘early years action plus’.