Vulcan Close, Whitstable Kent. CT5 4LZ Tel no. 01227 274435 Email – [email protected] Website – www.kindergartenkids.co.uk Providing Quality Care for All Your Child’s Needs Babycare - 6 weeks to 2 years Preschool - 2 to 5 years Registered Person - Gwenda Croft Company no. 5462503 Registration number: EY320142 Reviewed January 2016 Head office, 102 Albert Street Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1HT OPENING TIMES Open All Year Round Except Bank Holidays and Christmas ALL DAY CARE 7.30am to 6.00pm Breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks throughout the day Included in the price SESSIONAL CARE Morning - 8am to 1pm Lunch and snack included in price Afternoon - 1pm to 6pm Tea and snack included in price Further sessions available please see over the page for these. We cater for all allergy and dietary needs All of our snacks are healthy and nutritious We provide fresh fruit and vegetables daily Water is available throughout the day We do not provide squash, as dental hygienists have suggested that only milk and water are safe drinks between meal time Fee’s and Admission Admission Policy Whitstable Day Nursery is very much part of the Whitstable & surrounding communities. We feel we are accessible from all sections of our community. All children and families are welcome irrespective of gender, origin, language, culture or disability We work on first come, first serve basis. We feel this gives everyone an equal opportunity. We warmly welcome all prospective parent and carers This prospectus is provided for information on our service Parents/carers are very welcome to visit anytime, as we encourage this. Parents/carers will be required to complete a registration form with their child’s necessary details A completed registration form, administration fee and deposit will guarantee a child’s place at Whitstable Day Nursery. Waiting lists are arranged in order of and first come, first serve and by date of birth When a child is nearing their start date a Parents Welcome Pack will be given or sent. Parents will be asked to sign that they have seen, read and understood Kindergarten Kids Ltd Policies and Procedures. Booking a place Phone or visit to check availability [appointment not needed] Complete and return the ‘Booking Form’ at the back of this prospectus with £40 Administration Fee (non-refundable) and £40 deposit (refunded at the end of your child’s stay and provided 4 weeks written notice is given to vacate your child’s place). A place will be confirmed by phone / in writing Once a place has been confirmed you will be required to complete the New Parents Pack. If this is not completed within 4 weeks of yours child’s starting date, you will lose your deposit and place. Free Early Education and free for two funded hours We are registered with the Local Authority to receive the Free early education, and free for 2 funded (FF2) sessions. Children will be eligible for free education hours the term after their third birthday. This is available for all children living in the UK. If you meet the criteria for the FF2 funding your child will be eligible the beginning of the term after their 2nd birthday There are a few different options of using this. They are entitled to receive 15 hours of funding per week for 38 weeks of the year, during school term time only, if you choose this option and still want to attend through the holiday’s fees will need to be paid in full Or 12 hours a week over 48 weeks a year. You can continue to attend for the weeks not covered by funding, however these will be chargeable, or you can use them as holiday weeks, and the nursery is closed for one week at Christmas. You can use all of your funded hours with us or split them between a maximum of 2 settings, however if you decide to use 2 different settings you can still only use 15 hours over 38 weeks or 12 hours over 48 weeks combined. You can use just your free educational hours or if you would like to use more than the free early educational hours then these will be charged at an hourly rate which is dependent on the session they attend. This is worked out by dividing the cost of the chosen session by the amount of hours in the session to come up with a fair hourly price. The free educational hours and FF2 hours can be used between the hours of 7.30 and 6.30 towards any of the sessions shown in the price list on the next page. This can be taken over a minimum of 2 days with no session being shorter than 2.5 hours per day or longer than 10 hours per day. Meals are included in the free educational hours as long as they are a part of the child’s session. Further information is available from the setting manager, or nursery administrator. If you are only using the free education hours of FF2 then there will be no upfront charges, this include deposits and registration fess If you decide to leave the nursery in the middle of a term the free education hours are not transferable so you will not be able to claim funding until the beginning of a new term. The table below shows when your child may be eligible for the free education hours Your child is born between: They are eligible free educational hours from: 1 April and 31 August September following their third birthday until statutory school age 1 September and 31 December 1 January and 31 March January following their third birthday until statutory school age April following their third birthday until statutory school age Fees 7:306pm 8:306pm 9-3:30pm 8-1pm 1-6pm 9-12pm Additional hour Pre School £34.50 £32.50 £26 £21.50 £21.50 £14.50 £5 Baby Care £40.50 £38.50 £30.50 £25 £25 £16.50 £6 Additional Lunch £2.50 Additional Tea £2 Fees are reviewed yearly. We ask that fees are paid by the 1st of every month to help keep costs down and to avoid 10% late payment charge. These are due in advance by monthly Direct Debit [information provided in New Parents Packs]. Fees can also be paid by Childcare Vouchers, to be confirmed by your employer. Card payments accepted. We are unable to accept any personal cheques. If you are eligible of Tax Credit you can claim for up to 80% of your fees. If your child is absent for holidays or illness, we ask for fees still to be paid, as you are paying to secure your child’s place, as overheads still occur. We require 1 month paid written notice if you wish to change or vacate your child’s place from registering with us. There is a sibling discount of 5% per child. 1 week of your choice at 50% holiday discount providing your child has been attending nursery with us for 6 months at the time of the holiday 100% discount over the Christmas period and for National and Bank Holidays It is only possible to use one form of grant or discount at any time. The Background to Whitstable Day Nursery Sue Richardson first opened Whitstable Day Nursery in July 1993 and Gwenda Croft took over the business on 21st October 2005 and became the registered person on 2nd December 2005. Kindergarten Kids Ltd is a small family run business that opened in January 1997. Whitstable Day Nursery is now part of a small chain of quality childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 11 years. Whitstable Day Nursery is registered with OFSTED for 12 babies aged 6 weeks to 2 years and 26 preschool children aged 2 to 5 years. Whitstable Day Nursery is located in Vulcan Close, behind Ladesfield Care Home and Age UK. Whitstable Day Nursery is in the heart of a residential community and on the out skirts of Whitstable town. Public transport is available within 5 to 10 minute walking distance. Children have access to 4 main rooms – sensory room / main play area / Book Area and canteen. There is an exciting garden for children to explore, discover and enjoy, promoting all areas of their development. Children are given the opportunity to fulfil their potential and excel in their development. The well being and morale of the children and staff promote a friendly, relaxed, safe, secure and fun environment. Parents are a huge part of the nursery setting. Whitstable Day Nursery values parent’s wishes, requests and feedback and highly promotes parent partnership. We understand the needs of families and work closely to provide the best possible outcome for all. Activities and themes are made to be fun and are planned by staff with the help of children. Children are the focus of our observations and Planning and all activities and games are promoted from this. Equipment is safe, stimulating, educational and most of all fun for active and learning minds. Children and highly qualified staff have carefully selected toys and equipment. At Whitstable Day Nursery we make it our priority to ensure you and your child creates experiences and share memories. Babycare Welcome to Babycare, the following section is to introduce you to our department, explaining important information and baby’s day along the way. Joining Babycare When you and your baby register with us we will invite you to come along together and enjoy some time in the room settling in with us. During this time you are welcome to stay and play with your baby, getting to know the members of staff and the routine in the room. We also encourage parents / carers (normally after a few visits) to sit in the kitchen and have a cup of tea. This enables you to see how your baby gets on without you in the room. During this period of visits, you will receive a parent starter pack, which needs to be returned before your baby’s first day, and you will also have plenty of opportunity to discuss your baby’s routine and habits with a nursery assistant. All of our staff are very open to questions, and encourage you to ask any questions you may have, no matter how trivial they may seem to you. We wish to provide you with as much information as possible. We feel that these pre-start visits are a very good opportunity to meet our team, and to start the relationships that will continue to develop during your baby’s time with us. We understand that leaving your baby can be a difficult time for both them and you, and feel that this is made easier if pre-start visits are made beforehand. Key Person During your time with us in Babycare you and your baby will be able to form bonds with all members of staff, and in addition to this we work towards the key person/buddy system which ensures that there is a familiar figure for you and your baby at all times. Your key person/buddy will also take time to learn all about you and your baby enabling them to form the close bonds that ensure that your baby feels safe and secure at all times, enabling them to enjoy play and new experiences to the fullest. Throughout your baby’s time with us, we use both verbal and written communication (in communication books) to enable us to ensure we are up to date with all the information regarding your baby. This form of daily communication also helps parents / carers and staff members to be able to raise any concerns that they may have, and ensure that they are dealt with quickly. Baby’s Day – In the baby room During the day your baby will have access to a range of toys and activities and will be allowed to self-select what they would like to do / play with. An adult will always be close by to support / interact where necessary to allow your baby to full experience the activity. - Please expect your child to get messy during their days here! We do have various types of messy play available throughout each day if your baby wishes to take part in them. These include, but are not limited to: Sand, water and soil Paint, glue and shaving foam Pasta (cooked and uncooked), flour and peas Depending on the age of your baby, we have on offer the Treasure basket, and Heuristic play. Both of these types of play encourage your baby to explore natural, everyday objects using all of their senses. This is done in a quiet environment, allowing them to become fully involved in their exploration. Adults are on hand nearby for any issues that may arise. Baby’s day – in the outdoor play area We are also very lucky to be able to play outside everyday, as we have our own garden which is partially covered which enables us to go out no matter what the weather. We aim to be outside for a minimum of one hour a day, and when the weather is warmer we are able to leave the door to the play area open, enabling free flow play between the room and the garden. This empowers the baby’s to be able to choose where they would like to play. In addition to time in our play area, we do like to go out for walks and visits which are very often spontaneous decisions. To this end we ask for permission to take your child out of the building on the first day they start. - Can we please ask for the following this to be provided to enable your baby to go outside: Named coats Sensible shoes Sun tan lotion (for warmer weather) Food No matter the age of your baby, we are able to puree most items on the menu, and we will assist in the weaning process according to your instructions and wishes. Our food for the day consists of three main meals and two snacks, and water is available all day, every day. If your baby is not yet ready for our menu, we do ask you to supply their food and / or formula milk, as we are only able to offer cow’s milk. We always welcome parents to come in and chat with us whether you would like to discuss your child’s progress, or to make any suggestions towards the types of play or any additional resources which may benefit the babies. - - - Transitional period to Preschool When your child is close to reaching the age of 2, their key person / buddy will start to introduce the Preschool environment to them, with a loose aim of them being up their permanently by the time they are 2 ½ years old Your key person / buddy will begin by staying with your child in Preschool, and will only start to leave them when they are happy and secure enough for this to happen. Your child is always able to come back into babycare at anytime should they wish to do so We do not rush your child and will do everything at their own pace, allowing them to feel safe and secure at all times Your Babycare key person / buddy will work closely with parents / carers, and your child’s new key person / buddy, in Preschool, to enable them to have a smooth successful transition to Preschool. We would like to thank you for taking the time to read our information leaflet, and look forward to welcoming you into our environment. Our Aims Whitstable Day Nursery aims to make the setting a welcoming place, with a home from home feel, where children can come and settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circumstances of children and their families. Our aim is to enhance the development of children in our care and encourage parents/ carers to understand and provide the needs of their child through Whitstable Day Nursery, while helping parents to get back to work by providing childcare to suit their needs. Aims at Whitstable Day Nursery: To provide a friendly, warm, caring and safe environment in which children can feel happy and secure. Ensuring Whitstable Day Nursery provides opportunities for all children regardless of race, gender, culture, religion, means or ability. To work in partnership with parents and carers. Meet all children’s individual needs and Interests. Offer appropriate play equipment and facilities. To help develop interaction and social skills with others - children and adults. Encourage children’s confidence, good manners and good behaviour. To help develop children’s own skills appropriate for their age. Encourage children from birth onwards to develop skills, based on the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’ and move then onto the next step. Ensure staff are suitable to look after children (see Suitable Persons Policy in our Operational Plan) Instigating and adhering to and furthering the aim of Whitstable Day Nursery. Ensure all children have Fun!! All about our Setting At our setting we strongly believe that the foundation for learning is through play. We have fantastic opportunities for children aged 2 – 5 years to play, explore and imagine. We have a wonderful garden that provides children with the freedom to discover new boundaries and take risks and explore nature and the natural resources that are available. Our staff are committed, friendly, approachable and child centered, with the ethos that the Welfare of the child is paramount. Every child is welcome to our team, we are an inclusive setting, that invites all children and their families from all backgrounds. We strongly believe in meeting every child’s individual needs, through this approach, our planning is based around the children’s interest at heart. We provide two hot meals and two snacks a day, with the aim of supplying children with healthy and nutritious meals to build strength, health and energy. For a child here it is fun, exciting, challenging, rewarding, enjoyable and entertaining, through these experiences children can learn and develop and get the most out of their young childhood years. Parents are a vital part in the process of growing up, that is why we feel parent partnership is an important part to the delivery of our practice. So come and see for yourselves what a wonderful nursery we are, we welcome you to visit on any day and at any time. Your Child’s Development The Early Years Foundation Stage The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is how the Government and early years professionals describe the time in your child’s life between birth and age 5. This is a very important stage as it helps your child get ready for school as well as preparing them for their future learning and successes. From when your child is born up until the age of 5, their early year’s experience should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure; and support their development, care and learning needs. The EYFS Framework exists to support all professionals working in the EYFS to help your child, and was developed with a number of early year’s experts and parents. In 2012 the framework was revised to make it clearer and easier to use, with more focus on the things that matter most. This new framework also has a greater emphasis on your role in helping your child develop. It sets out: The legal welfare requirements that everyone registered to look after children must follow to keep your child safe and promote their welfare The 7 areas of learning and development which guide professionals’ engagement with your child’s play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge Assessments that will tell you about your child’s progress through the EYFS Expected levels that your child should reach at age 5, usually the end of the reception year; these expectations are called the “Early Learning Goals (ELGs)” There is also guidance for the professionals supporting your child on planning the learning activities, and observing and assessing what and how your child is learning and developing. How your Child will Learn The EYFS Framework explains how and what your child will be learning to support their healthy development. Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development. Children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first. These are: Communication and language; Physical development; and Personal, social and emotional development. These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning. As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas. These are: Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the world; and Expressive arts and design. These 7 areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities. The professionals teaching and supporting your child will make sure that the activities are suited to your child’s unique needs. This is a little bit like a curriculum in primary and secondary schools, but it's suitable for very young children, and it's designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow your child's unique needs and interests. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside. Development Records When your child is 2 After your child turns 2, the staff at Whitstable Day Nursery who works with your child will give you a written summary of your child’s progress against the 3 prime areas of learning: Communication and language; Physical development; and Personal, social and emotional development. This is called the progress check at age 2. This check will highlight areas where your child is progressing well and any where they might need some extra help or support – and how mums and dads and other family members or carers can work with the key person to help. You might find it useful to share the information from the check with other professionals such as health visitors (who can use it as part of the health and development review). When your child is 5 At the end of the EYFS – in the summer term of the reception year in school – teachers complete an assessment which is known as the EYFS Profile. This assessment is carried out by the reception teacher and is based on what they, and other staff caring for your child, have observed over a period of time. Another important part of the EYFS Profile is your knowledge about your child’s learning and development, so do let your child’s class teacher know about what your child does with you: such as how confident your child is in writing their name, reading and talking about a favourite book, speaking to people your child is not so familiar with or their understanding of numbers. All of the information collected is used to judge how your child is doing in the 7 areas of learning and development. Finding out at this stage how your child is doing will mean that the teacher your child has in their next school year – year 1 – will know what your child really enjoys doing and does well, as well as helping them decide if your child needs a bit of extra support, what that support should be and if they are already getting it. The school will give you a report of your child’s progress, including information from his or her EYFS Profile. Staffing Whitstable Day Nursery is very proud to have a high ratio of staff, this ensures all children receive individual care and attention and the highest quality education. All staff at Whitstable Day Nursery are appropriately qualified and checked by Whitstable Day Nursery, OFSTED and the Criminal Records Bureau. To ensure that adults are fit to look after children. The criteria for a fit person are as follows: Previous experience and relevant qualifications. Physical and mental health. Mental stability, flexibility and integrity. Knowledge of and attitude to multi-cultural issues and people of different racial origins Commitment and knowledge to treat all children as individuals and with equal concern. Ability to provide warm and consistent care. 3 personal references will be sought, 1 of which is from their last employer Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor position will have the relevant qualification (NVQ level 3) and experience in childcare and/or Play worker Our aims To ensure that children and their families are offered high quality care and education. We do this by: Following ratios of adult to child: 0 to 2years - 1 adult: 3 children 2 to 3years - 1 adult: 4 children 3 to 5years - 1 adult: 8 children 5 to 11years –1 adult: 8 children A minimum of two staff/adults are on duty at any one time. We hold regular staff meetings to discuss curriculum planning and to discuss children’s progress, their achievements and selection. All staff have job descriptions that set out their roles and responsibilities. All staff are given copies of Kindergarten Kids Ltd policies and procedures and are asked to sign a form ‘Acceptance of Polices and Procedures’ to say they have received them We welcome job applications from all sections of the community. Staff are continually training to ensure the best possible care and education for each child We provide in-house training to all students and volunteers We provide new staff induction training in the first week of employment. This induction includes all policies and procedures and they are required to shadow a senior member of staff. (Continued on next page) Staff appraisals are held every six to twelve months We are committed to recruiting and employing staff in accordance with all relevant legislation and best practice We use the EYFS Welfare Requirements as guidance on obtaining references and Criminal Record checks through the Criminal Records Bureau for staff and volunteers who will have access to children All members of staff in Whitstable Day Nursery have been carefully chosen for their individual positions. They are always available to attend to you and your child’s individual needs. Key Person Children thrive from a base of loving and secure relationships. This is normally provided by a child’s parents but it can also be provided by a key person. A key person is a named member of staff with responsibilities for a small group of children who helps those children in the group feel safe and cared for. The role is an important one and an approach set out in the EYFS which is working successfully in nursery settings. It involves the key person in responding sensitively to children’s feelings and behaviors and meeting emotional needs by giving reassurance, such as when they are new to the setting and supporting the child’s well-being. The key person supports physical needs too, helping with issues like nappy changing, toileting and dressing. That person is a familiar figure who is accessible and available as a point of contact for parents and one who builds relationships with the child and parents or carers. Records of development and care are created and shared by the key person, parents and the child. Small groups foster close bonds between the child and the key person in a way that large groups cannot easily do. These groups allow the key person to better ‘tune into’ children’s play and their conversations to really get to know the children in the group well. Children feel settled and happy and are more confident to explore and as a result become more capable learners. Your child will be allocated a key person, once you have signed up to the setting. Policies and Procedures Can be found on our website www.kindergartenkids.co.uk it is your responsibility to read these. Alternatively they can be requested in paper format from us. Special Educational Needs This is now part of everyday life in Whitstable Day Nursery as we follow a ‘Code of Practice’ set out the by Department of Education. Within our setting we have an appointed Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). SENCO is a person appointed to take responsibility for supporting and identifying areas of concern and working in partnership with children, parents, staff and professional organizations. Sickness at home We cannot accept children who are ill with discharge from eyes, ears or nose, rashes, diarrhoea, sickness, fever and any other childhood diseases, as we would put other children at risk of infection. Sickness at Nursery If your child is taken ill of any of the above during the day we will phone you or the contact numbers on the registration form, to come and collect your child, as we cannot risk cross contamination with other children and staff. For Incubation and exclusion periods – see display board. Administrating Medicine Whitstable Day Nursery senior members of staff will administer medication whether short or long term medication. You will be required to fill out Administration of Medication form with all the details needed for staff to administer medicines. It is very important that both parents and staff to follow Whitstable Day Nursery’s strict procedure. Accidents Should your child have an accident at Whitstable Day Nursery the First Aider will administer basic first aid. Any accident however slight is entered in the accident book and parents will always be asked to read and sign the entry. Away Incidents We are required to keep a record of any injuries that may of happened prior to coming to Whitstable Day Nursery. You will be asked to fill in an incident form regarding the injury. Health and Safety Whitstable Day Nursery takes very seriously its obligations and responsibilities under Health and Safety and related legislation. Its objective is to provide adults and children with a safe working/playing environment and a safe system of routine. The safety of the children is paramount at Whitstable Day Nursery. Equal Opportunities Whitstable Day Nursery is open to everyone. Staff, children and parents have equal access irrespective of gender, race, social group, religion, family backgrounds or disability. All children will be made to feel valued and will be free from discrimination. We will ensure children are included in all areas of nursery. Child Protection Policy Whitstable Day Nursery is an environment where children can come and feel safe and secure. We have a duty to protect each child in our care. It is a sad fact that child abuse has been happening for many years, it is only in the last few years that it has been brought more to light by the media. None of us - whether it is a parent or childcare provider feel very comfortable about child protection issues. We follow set procedures and it is our legal reasonability to protect any child in our care. Whitstable Day Nursery operates in accordance with the local authority guidelines and OFSTED All staff, volunteers, students and placements are made aware of the Child Protection procedures. Criminal Records Bureau checks all applicants applying for a position at Whitstable Day Nursery and references are sort. Whitstable Day Nursery operates in accordance with the Children's Act 2004. “The welfare of the child is paramount at all times” BEHAVIOUR Children are encouraged to use manners, take it in turns, care and share. Good behaviour is rewarded. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT You are very welcome to stay with your child to help them settle in when they first start. You are always welcome to come in and help at any time. As you have the best knowledge of your child we ask you to keep us informed of their progress at home and at Whitstable Day Nursery. We informally keep you up to date with your child’s progress on the days your child attends. Regular newsletters keep you informed of what’s happening in the future. We value your views in all areas from policymaking to the day-to-day running. So please if you have any suggestions, do not hesitate to contribute in any way. ADDIONAL INFORMATION INSURANCE Our settings are fully insured. Certificate on display in Operational Plan and on the wall REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE Certificate on display in Operational Plan and on the wall OFSTED REPORT Available on request or a copy is on display to view in Operational Plan. COMPANY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE Available on request or a copy is in operation plan and on the wall PERSONAL BELONGINGS Personal belongings must be named, as Kindergarten Kids Ltd cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. SPECIAL OCCASIONS When it is someone's birthday we will sing ‘Happy Birthday’ and parents may provide a treat if they wish, making their day special. We also celebrate festivals from around the world. COMPLAINTS We are always trying to give you and your child the best possible service, if you have a complaint at any time please inform us immediately. If you feel we have not dealt with the matter you can contact: Ofsted Piccadilly Gate Store Street Manchester M1 2WD Whitstable Day Nursery - Booking In Form Date completed: _________________ Email _______________________________ Name of child______________________________Date of birth________________ Name and address of parent/carer_________________________________________ ____________________________________Post code_______________________ Telephone no._______________I would like my child to start on__________________ Subject to availability - I would like the following days and times: [Tick] 7:30-6pm 8:30-6pm 9-3:30pm 8-1pm 1-6pm 9-12pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday I enclose a £40 Administration Fee (non-refundable) and £40 deposit to secure my child’s place. If you change/cancel start date then 4 weeks’ notice is required. Parent / carer signature_____________________________________________ CONFIRMED PLACES Child’s name:- __________________________Start date ____________________ Confirmed places 7:30-6pm 8:30-6pm 9-3:30pm 8-1pm 1-6pm 9-12pm Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday £40 Administration Fee (non refundable) and £40 deposit received. If you change/cancel start date then 4 weeks notice is required. Signature for Kindergarten Kids Ltd_____________________________________
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