Dear Family
Welcome
We know that as a parent you will be looking for the very best in care for your children and we believe that through our many years of experience and our clear understanding of children and their needs we can provide that for you. Our professional and dedicated staff team provide a stimulating and caring environment which promotes all aspects of children’s development. In addition, our qualified staff enjoy a continuous programme of training which ensures that we are up to date with all the latest research in childcare which we can incorporate into your child’s care and development. However, we never lose sight of the fact that the provision of a warm and caring environment is at the core of all that we do. That is why we build a strong relationship with your family and are always available to discuss your childcare requirements
Yours faithfully
The Highgrove Nursery School
Free childcare and education for 2 to 4-year-olds
All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 15 or 30 funded hours of early education or childcare s week over 38 weeks a year. . Some 2-year-olds are also eligible for 15 funded hours each week for 38 weeks of the year. You can start claiming free childcare after your child turns 3. The date you can claim will depend on when their birthday is. Starting Nursery
To enrol your child in Highgrove please complete our Nursery Contract and registration form return to us with £35 registration fee. Please read the contract carefully as it constitutes a legal binding contract between yourselves and the nursery. Fees are due and payable ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE by standing order and you are required to provide the nursery with ONE MONTHS NOTICE to change or terminate your contract with us. In addition every child is entitled to 3 weeks holidays at half price (pro rata) annual leave plus 8 bank holidays for which you will not be charged, provided they are on 52 weeks contract. Holiday forms should be completed at least 1 month in advance. Children who are on term time only contract – 38 weeks a year will not be entitled to annual leave. All our rooms are fully air conditioned keeping your children safe and well during hot weather
Settling in Nursery Policy
We want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in nursery and to feel secure and comfortable with staff. We also want parents to have the confidence in both their children’s well-being and their role as active partners with the nursery. We aim to make the nursery a welcoming place where children settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circumstances of children and their families. Before a child starts nursery, we use a variety of ways to provide parents with the necessary information. These include providing a copy of our prospectus and policies, and a series of inductions to get to know the staff and the daily routines. By the time your child starts the nursery they should feel at home with the setting and the staff. We allocate a key person to each child and their family before they start to attend; the key person welcomes and looks after the child and their parents during the induction period and beyond. If after the start date your child begins to feel unsettled again the nursery manager will consult with you to work out the best way to help your child settle. Younger children will bring home a daily diary for you to read and fill in yourselves. This is a very important part of the nursery/home partnership. The settling in period is a requirement of the admissions policy as we feel it is very important for the welfare and social and emotional development of your child. Soft Play
At Highgrove your child will have the unique opportunity to experience everything that a soft play area can provide. Not only will your child have great fun they will be learning as they play. The list of learning opportunities is endless; your child will be fortunate to experience them daily. Fun and education in the fresh air
At Highgrove your child will experience daily access to the outdoor area. We have a large, exciting space to ensure the best possible experiences for all the children in our care. We combine indoor and outdoor education as this has been researched and proven to ensure that each individual child has the opportunity to work and learn according to their individual learning styles. When outside your child can practice their pedalling skills, grow some vegetables to eat later on for lunch, examine mini beasts, and play counting games and practise writing skills. Babies have a safe area to crawl, practice first steps, sing songs, paint, play with sand and make friends. Learning opportunities are endless and just as with our indoor curriculum we observe and follow your child’s individual interests before planning further activities and experiences. Snacks and Meals
Snacks, lunch and tea time is a social time at which children and adults may eat together. Our nursery provides fresh and healthy snacks , we also encourage your child to be involved in food preparation themselves and then learn how to be independent at mealtimes. We ask that you supply any Baby milk or baby food that your child requires. For older children we ask parents to provide healthy pack lunches. We offer fresh fruits and vegetables for snack time. All children are provided with milk or water. Fresh water is accessible throughout the day, we also make our own freshly squeezed juice and smoothie . Snacks and drinks are inclusive in the price. Special needs
The Highgrove Nursery School is all inclusive nursery and we welcome children with additional needs to be part of our setting. As part of our setting policy to make sure that its provision meets the needs of each individual child, we take account of any special needs a child may have. The nursery works to the requirements of the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. Safeguarding children
Our pre-school has a duty under the law to help safeguard children against suspected or actual ‘significant harm’. Our employment practices ensure children against the likelihood of abuse and we have a procedure for managing complaints or allegations against a member of staff. Our way of working with children and their parents ensures we are aware of any problems that may emerge and can offer support, including referral to appropriate agencies when necessary, to help families in difficulty. Policies
Copies of the nursery policies and procedures are available for you to see in the nursery and situated in our reception area by the main entrance. The nursery’s policies help us to make sure that the service provided by us is a high quality one and that being part of our setting is an enjoyable and beneficial experience for each child and her/his parents/ carers. OFSTED
Children are active and independent learners. They use good manners and learn to share and take turns. All children including those who speak English as an additional language or those with additional needs make good progress in their learning relating to their starting points”.
