We operate independently from the school as we are a Registered Charity run by a Volunteer Committee of Parents. Welcome to Ditton Lodge Nursery, where we value each child as an individual. We firmly believe that every child has the right to the best possible start in life and should be encouraged and supported in order to achieve their full potential. We value parent partnership, so work closely
with our children’s families to ensure each child’s needs are met. Our nursery provides high quality care and education within a safe and secure, stimulating and caring environment in which each child is cared for as an individual, to gain independence and confidence in learning as part of an enjoyable experience
When they are ready to leave the nursery to transition to reception, the children are confident, independent and well equipped to start their school adventures. Our vision is ‘to create a welcoming, happy, caring, safe and stimulating learning environment where each child has the opportunity to play, explore, laugh, discover and learn.’
Our aim is ‘to ensure each individual child has the opportunity to develop, grow and achieve their potential through fun and enjoyable play based experiences! OFSTED Inspection – In June 2022 we had our OFSTED inspection, we are proud to announce that we received OUTSTANDING in all areas of the inspection. Staffing;
We have a professionally qualified, experienced and enthusiastic team. As a minimum, all staff have (or are working towards) a recognised early years qualification along with Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection training and Basic Food Hygiene as a minimum. Special Needs;
As part of our policy to make sure that our provision meets the needs of each individual child, we take account of any special educational needs a child may have. The setting works to the requirements of the Education Act (1993; 2002) and The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2015). We have a designated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) who will be happy to discuss any questions you may have. Key Persons and Your Child;
Our nursery uses a key person approach. Each member of staff is responsible for a small group of children and will work with you as parents* to ensure that we provide for your child’s individual needs and interests. When your child joins us, their Key Person will help them to settle and will continue to liaise with you to ensure that we support your child and to ultimately assist them to reach their full potential. (*We use the term ‘parent’ as the child’s main carer.) Online Learning Journey;
Each child has an online learning journey record through Tapestry which shows their experiences whilst with us. Parents can contribute and work together with staff on their child’s Learning Journey which helps us provide for your child’s needs and well-being, and enables us to celebrate together their progress and achievements. Parent Partnerships;
We welcome and encourage parents to come and help with the day-to-day life of the nursery, and to join us to share their own specific interests, as well as helping with outings and visits. We hold a number of Open Mornings throughout the year for family and friends to join in the fun activities with the children. Safeguarding;
The welfare and safety of children and adults are of paramount importance to us. All staff have a responsibility and a duty under the law to help safeguard and promote the welfare of the children within our care, ensuring that they are protected from harm. All staff have regular child protection training and familiarise themselves with policies and procedures concerning this. We have three Designated Safeguarding Leads who can support children, families and staff should there be a need to. Our nursery practice and procedures ensure children are protected against the likelihood of abuse in our settings and we have a procedure for managing complaints or allegations against a member of staff. There are rigorous procedures in place for safe recruitment of staff, including a DBS disclosure, which ensures that every member of staff is suitable to work with children. Our way of working with children and their parents ensures we can offer support if problems emerge, including referral to appropriate agencies when necessary, to help families in difficulty. Policies and Procedures;
Ditton Lodge Community Nursery has an extensive number of policies and procedures in place. All policies and procedures are available for your information and these can be requested from the Nursery Manager.
