November 2011 Improvements
We are currently working with our parents to improve the experiences our children have with us. Over the summer we opened up our older end of the Nursery to become a 3-5 year Preschool and this has been hugely successful, with the children having free-flow in a big space both inside and outside. On reflecting over this success, we have come to realise that the same experiences are not as accessible to all of our younger children and have therefore proposed the joining of our two younger rooms. We have had very positive feedback so far and will aim to go ahead with this improvement, subject to all feedback, during November.
This age group will range from 3 months to 3 years with a maximum of 21 children at any one time. Due to the mix of the age groups, we will ensure that we manage the room with a staff:child ratio of 1:3, which will often mean that we have more staff than we are required to have.
The initial room has a large carpeted area to give the non mobile babies comfort and warmth as well as acting as a cushion when movement becomes more frequent. We also have a laminate area for those ‘messy’ but fun times. This room will become a tranquil, soft, explorative area which will include a focused baby area, sensory treasure baskets, books, cushions and soft gym toys. The adjoining room will become our more creative, role play space where the children can use their voices and free flow into the garden through our double doors. There is a ramp leading into the garden for our younger children, allowing even our crawling babies to have free-flow access to fresh air.
By becoming a Nursery with only 2 rooms, we will be reducing the unsettling transition times by half and ensuring that that the attachment and bonding process for each child is maximised; a child and their parents will potentially remain with the same Key Person for 2 years at a time. Without secure attachments children can become anxious and therefore cannot explore and learn. In addition, this space will now mimic the space in our Preschool room, which will aim to support a more secure transition.
There is a daily routine in Angelfish, but this is very flexible and takes into account each child’s individual needs. The day will include activities such as painting, sticking, messy play, garden time, stories and singing to aid each child’s learning and development, but most of all, it will include time spent with knowledgeable and caring adults, to ensure they have a happy and fun filled day!
Nappies will be checked regularly throughout the day and changed as often as needed, and toilet training can begin whenever the child is ready. Parents are required to supply nappies and baby wipes/cotton wool for their child’s needs.
Parents are also required to supply formula milk, already made up in bottles, for their baby. When your child is ready to begin weaning please see your room staff who will talk you through our menu and plan which foods you would like us to introduce and when.
Before a child moves on to Jellyfish Preschool your Key Person will discuss the best way to approach this with you, ensuring that your child is given the correct amount of time to aid a smooth transition.
We will always keep you fully informed of your child’s progress through a daily information sheet and regular parents evenings where you can talk to your key worker. Our ‘door’ is always open and suggestions are taken seriously and worked on to the best of our ability; you know your child best.
Starfish Sensory Room
Attached to Angelfish is our Sensory Room; it is a dark, peaceful space with a glowing ‘Aquarium’, texture toys, mirrors, a ball pool and a twinkling Starfish on the ceiling. Our children love to use this room and we often find that it gives them ‘quiet time’ as they explore their surroundings alone or with their friends.