Settling
In general, and if necessary to ease the trauma of settling into the nursery for both parent and child, we enrol the children in small groups throughout the year. Parents have to remain in the nursery with their child for the first few days and indeed longer if necessary.
Your child will be allocated a key worker who will assist in this settling in period. This close contact at this initial stage should help develop a sense of security for parent and child as well as a contact link. The staff aim to ensure that your child is shown the play opportunities available, the basic routines of the playroom and to instil the finer qualities and skills of socialising, sharing and giving consideration to other children.
Please note that on your child’s first day, they will only stay for one hour and you will be expected to stay with them without exception.
The Daily Routine
A free-flow routine offers many benefits for children’s learning and wellbeing. By allowing children to make choices about where, when and how they play, they develop independence, confidence and a strong sense of ownership over their learning. This approach supports deeper engagement, as children are more likely to become fully involved in experiences that interest them. Free-flow access to both indoor and outdoor environments promotes physical activity, exploration and creativity, while also supporting different learning styles. Flexible snack and lunch times help to create a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere where children can listen to their bodies and develop self-regulation skills. Overall, a free-flow routine supports a calm, responsive environment where children feel valued, capable and motivated to learn.
A free-flow routine offers rich opportunities for children to engage in a wide range of meaningful experiences that support their learning and development. Children can explore creative activities such as painting, drawing and junk modelling, or develop their curiosity through sensory play with water, sand or loose parts. Outdoors, they may take part in physical play, den building, gardening or exploring nature, helping to build confidence and resilience. Indoors, children can choose to engage in role play, construction, early literacy activities like sharing stories and mark-making, or numeracy experiences through games and problem-solving. This flexible approach allows children to follow their interests, revisit learning, and become deeply involved in experiences, supporting concentration, independence and a genuine enjoyment of learning.
Assessment
Assessment is part of the daily routine. It is ongoing and continuous. The assessment procedure highlights any strength your child may have and in addition, any areas that require extra or specialist input can be addressed quickly and effectively.
This can allow for early intervention from specialist services such as Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologist, Physiotherapists or Community Paediatrician. If there is a specific issue we will discuss this with you, and then only with your consent we will refer the matter to the appropriate professional or agency.
There will be two meetings a year to provide you, the parent with formal feedback on your child’s progress, however your key worker is available on a daily basis for a quick chat on a more informal level.