Puddleducks Day Nursery and Pre-School: The Specifics

OPENING HOURS

We are open between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year, closing only for bank holidays and an additional 5 days between Christmas and New Year.

OUR AIMS

We are committed to providing the highest level of care to every child, as the first years in your child’s life are the most important, it is our aim to create a happy and secure environment where your child can develop whilst learning through play.

We nurture…..they grow.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES & EXPERIENCES

Inside we have 3 main areas of learning: Under two’s room, 2-3 years Room and Pre-School. Children will have an allocated room along with their chosen key person; this will be dependent on their age and ability. However, free flow will be experienced daily to allow indoor and outdoor play. Our outdoor play area, although only small, is accessed in all weather conditions, we have a large u.v. umbrella to protect us from the sun and the rain and we provide all weather outdoor suits to keep the children dry and warm. We are

following the Early Years Foundation stage to plan for and extend our children’s knowledge and development.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

We encourage full parental involvement with an ‘open door policy’, however we understand the busy schedules you may have. Due to this we offer many other opportunities such as play mornings, parents’ evenings and parental feedback forms. Our staff are always available for feedback and will make time for any questions you may have. We welcome any ideas that may improve our service to you.

MEALS AND HYGIENE

These are prepared on our premises daily. Our weekly menu is displayed in our hallway. We provide breakfast, morning snack, a hot, home cooked two course lunch, afternoon snack and a two course nursery tea. We have held the Northamptonshire Gold Healthy Heartbeat award ever since it was introduced a number of years ago and have been awarded 5 stars from the environmental health for Scores on the Doors. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before mealtimes and wash their faces and brush their teeth after eating, therefore flannels and tooth-brushes will be provided.

SAFETY AND RISK ASSESSMENTS

The safety of the children is paramount at Puddleducks Day Nursery. The building is equipped with smoke detectors and fire drills are carried out with the children and the staff on a regular basis. We have a password access system to safeguard the children and only allow the children to leave with anyone other than their parents if we have been given prior notice. Risk assessments are carried out on a daily basis to ensure maximum safety at all times.

SPECIAL NEEDS

We do our utmost to cater for special needs. We have a designated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) within the setting at all times. Please make us aware if you require any assistance with this.

OFSTED

We are registered with OFSTED. Our last inspection was carried out in February 2009, we were awarded with an overall GOOD judgement with outstanding aspects.

If you have any complaints about the service that we provide which you are unable to resolve with the manager of the setting please contact Ofsted at,

Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD

REGISTRATION

To register your child for a place at Puddleducks Day Nursery you will need to complete the application to register form, downloadable from our website or collectable from the nursery, this needs to be completed and returned to the nursery with a £50.00 non- refundable deposit.

A start date is required when registering, if your child does not commence nursery on this date – half fees will be applicable until they do start.

We offer flexible settling sessions, arranged to suit you and your child, this is a minimum of two settling sessions, one with a parent and one on their own, but can be extended for each individual as is needed. During this time the children can play and explore and begin to know their new surroundings and you as their parent/carer can get to know our team, policies and procedures and operational plan. (these all need to be read prior to your child starting with us)

Thank you taking the time to read our welcome pack. If you need any further information, please let us know, 01869811222 or puddle-ducks@btconnect.com.

We look forward to hearing from you shortly.