We are divided into five groups:
Baby room- 6 wks-approx 1yr old (1.3 ratio)
Toddler room- approx 1yr old (1.3 ratio)
Yellow group- 2 yr olds (1.4 ratio)
Red Group- 2-3yr olds (1.4 ratio)
Pre-school- 3-4 yr olds (1.8 ratio)
Each group is managed by an experienced leader who is supported by one or two key persons depending on ratios. All staff are qualified to a minimum of level three with ¼ of staff qualified to level 5 or above. Training is ongoing, including our own in-house training through inset days and professional development is encouraged. The staff team has been consistent with a majority of staff serving over five years. All are first aid trained and update every three years. Fees are based on an hourly rate giving greater flexibility of session times. They can be paid via standing order, childcare vouchers or through government funding schemes (2, 3 and 4 year old). We work with and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (2014) the curriculum guidelines and statutory requirements set out by the government. We have a High/Scope approach and ethos that supports active learning. Resources are accessible and open ended giving children the freedom to explore, experiment and imagine with independence and confidence. We follow a plan-do-review cycle that promotes creative and critical thinking as well as enabling children to make choices and decisions that give a sense of control and responsibility that helps raise self-esteem and belief in themselves as competent learners. The day has several key components that includes: circle-time, used to meet and greet and start the session. Work-time, the longest part and used to follow plans, play and discover. Small group time, initiated and planned by adults to encourage new experiences and learning. Large group time, a fun experience for all the children and adults that includes stories, singing, games etc. Adults plan activities and resources taking into account children’s interests and needs. Learning and progress is recorded and documented through observations, learning stories and reviews. These are shared with children and their parents, giving both a voice and involving them in their learning. Parents boards, newsletters and the groups daily information boards provide information for parents. Individual ‘my days’ are given to parents of babies and toddlers. There are regular information evenings for parents/carers and meetings with staff who are also available daily for informal information sharing. Through questionnaires and feedback forms parents comment on our practice which enables us to continue improving.