Starting Nursery is a very exciting time for both children and parents, a step on your child’s learning journey towards an independent and successful life.
We hope that this information answers many of the questions that parents ask before their child starts Nursery. Please do not hesitate to ask if there is something that you don’t find the answer for.
There are five sessions each week,
| Monday | 9am – 12 noon |
| Tuesday | 9am – 12 noon |
| Wednesday | 9am – 12 noon |
| Thursday | 9am – 12 noon |
| Friday | 9am – 12 noon |
Children enter Nursery through the side classroom door between 8.50am and 9am ready for the start of the session.
We are available at the beginning of each session for you to come and talk to, and we welcome and value any comments you might have or information to share with us.
During his/her time in Nursery your child will be following the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
This is the programme of learning that covers the two years of education in Nursery and Reception classes.
In Nursery the foundations for learning are laid. These will help your child progress towards the Early Learning Goals that they will reach at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum covers seven important areas of learning and development:
We believe that to be effective learners children must feel secure and confident.
They need a curriculum that is broad and balanced and rich in first hand experiences.
Young children are active learners, taking in information through their senses, making sense of this information through their play.
Through the development of their language they make these experiences part of their conscious memory.
Children learn best when they are comfortable and happy in their learning environment, where there is routine and consistent behaviour management, where the adults are interested and caring and where the children feel valued.
We have an extensive range of resources, equipment and games indoors and outdoors that will stimulate your child’s interest and curiosity.
Nursery staff will encourage your child to engage with the activities available and support them in their choices.
Eventually your child will become quite independent in choosing activities and will also be guided and supported in specific tasks that are adult directed.
Your child will become more able to organise themselves in their use of resources and will be encouraged to tidy up at the end of an activity.
At Nursery we encourage children to have a go, share and also to help each other.
Nursery staff will work and play alongside your child to observe how well he/she relates to other children and what kind of activities interest him/her. They use this information to plan activities so that they can extend the children’s learning opportunities.
Sharing information
Nursery staff are always happy to speak to parents about their child, to tell them what their child has been doing or to discuss any problems that might arise, and they value the information that Parents and Carers share with them.
Your child will have an online Learning Journal called ‘Tapestry’ in Nursery. This is a collection of photos, videos, comments and observations put together by Nursery staff. This Learning Journal is regularly updated and you will have login details so you can enjoy these pictures with family and friends.
Parents and Carers are very welcome to contribute to their child’s Learning Journal by uploading photos and messages onto ‘Tapestry’ from home. This completes the full picture of your child’s development through their time in Nursery.
Nursery children follow the same dress code as the rest of school. Please see the uniform section of the website for details.
The children will be using paint, pens, dough, malleable materials and glue, so it is wise to send your child in clothes that are easily cleaned. Nursery provides aprons, which the children must wear for certain activities, but a spare set of clothes is essential, just in case. These will be kept in a bag on their peg.
To help children be independent in toilet training, trousers with elasticated waists are better than those with buttons and belts. Shoes fastened with Velcro are best for Nursery. With your child’s safety in mind please make sure that your child has a pair of shoes with toes, heels and a sturdy grip to put on in the summer, so that your child can continue to use our outdoor play equipment.
These are available to buy from school. Your child can use it to bring storybooks home for you to share and also carry any letters home safely. This will be stored in their tray.
We use our outdoor area in all weathers. Your child will need a coat if it is cold or wet and a hat if it is windy. Gloves are an essential in winter. We provide sun hats with neck coverage for sunny days.
Please ensure that your child has a named pair of wellies in Nursery at all times, but especially for our Wednesday welly walks. Wellies are worn for all outdoor activities.
Your child will look to you for guidance and encouragement so
Home Visits
We believe that the children settle into our Nursery well because our induction is phased. It allows the children to become familiar with us by letting them see us in their own home where they feel secure and comfortable. These visits take place during the first week of term.
Introductory Sessions
You and your child will receive an invitation to attend our introductory sessions. These are opportunities for you to bring your child into Nursery to look around. These are short visits for you and your child to share.
First Sessions
When they are settling in, the children benefit from the extra care that we can give individuals when they are attending in smaller groups. For this reason each child is invited to attend for alternate sessions for the first two days of term following home visits. Week two is when all children attend all sessions.
