Partnership with Parents
Positive Relationships
Our setting pays the greatest attention to the emotional well being of all the children in our care. We work hard to ensure that each child feels safe, respected, listened to and well cared for. This special responsibility is given to a 'key person'.
A 'Key person' is assigned to each child prior to the child starting sessions. This person will meet the needs of individual children in their care and responds sensitively to their feelings, ideas and behaviour. A 'Key person' will keep careful records and annotate photographs of each child's learning and development. These records will contain both formative and summative assessments and will be shared with the parents/carers, the child and any other professionals as necessary.
Our setting uses a system of 'self registration' to help give each child a sense of belonging. Every morning as you arrive with your child you will need to help your child find their name and place it on a coloured co-ordinated flower on the wall. A photograph of each child's key person is placed in the middle of the flower along with a second photograph of a 'paired key person'. This second key person has been identified to support your child if the main key person is away, ensuring that there is a familiar and trusted person who knows each child well.
From 9.15am to 9.25am each morning all parents/carers are welcome to come into the setting to observe some of the activities on offer and help each child settle. During this time your child's key person is available for you to share any relevant or important information regarding your child and for you to observe your child's current interests. At 9.25am a variety of music will be played, this is your clue to say goodbye to your child and leave. At this time we gather together on the carpet to say good morning to each other and discuss our forthcoming day. If your child feels at all unsettled when you leave please feel free to stay and join us. We also offer home visits to help with the transition process from home to setting.
Parents/Carers
The setting welcomes any parents/carers into the setting to join us for our activities. We have a parent's rota that works well. The children benefit from having a range of adults with different experiences to share their day. In September of each year we hold our Annual General Meeting to which ALL parents/carers are welcome. The accounts for the nursery are approved and a new committee of parents installed. All our committee members have a valid and current CRB check.
Uniform
The decision for the children to wear a uniform is made from a majority vote of the parents/carers at the setting. This will be polled yearly to ensure that it is an up to date choice. The uniform is not a strict rule and if you feel anxious in any way please feel free to discuss this.
| The uniform is: | White polo shirt |
| Navy blue jogging bottoms | |
| Royal blue sweatshirt | |
| Black plimsolls | |
| Plain coloured shorts for summer |
Personal Belongings
Children may bring in their own special toys or comfort objects of which we take great care of but for which we cannot take responsibility. If your child wishes to bring in something to show at our 'group' times please encourage them to bring something that relates to our current activities.
Community Links
Our local area is a very closely linked community and as such we have the benefit of enjoying good links with our local schools. We enjoy visits to and receiving visits from the children in these schools.
Students in year 6 from All Saints School visit the setting for a morning to foster positive relationships within the local community. Many of these students were once young children within the setting and enjoy sharing their experiences with the children.
The setting offers excellent training/ firsthand experience for future childcare practitioners and we see this as an important contribution to the community and to ensure the continuing development of quality childcare.
All students work under the close supervision of the nursery staff. One member of staff is designated to ensure that policies and procedures are maintained with every student.
The nursery staff visit local Primary Schools to keep up to date with educational developments and assist with the smooth transition of your child to their infant school. We also attend termly cluster groups with foundation stage teachers and other settings.
Health
At The Athelstan Nursery we promote good health through nutritious snacks, a mixture of fresh air, regular exercise, adequate rest, and the development of sound hygiene practises.
Children who are unwell are likely to need a quiet environment and the individual care and attention of a family member.
If your child has a temperature, has sickness of diarrhoea or is obviously unwell, please do not bring him/her to the setting until your doctor says that they may return or until 48 hours after the last bout of sickness or diarrhoea.
There is a statutory exclusion period for some diseases or infections. These are governed by the Health Protection Agency. The senior staff will have details of these.
Colds
As it is impossible to prevent children from catching clods, especially in winter, a child with a slight cold who seems happy and is not running a temperature may come into the setting. At any time of a more serious illness he/she must be withdrawn immediately to safeguard his/her health and that of the other children through cross-infection.
Ear infections and conjunctivitis always require medical attention. Your GP will advise when your child may return to the setting.
Medical Treatment
Please advise your child's key person if your child is receiving medical treatment, has been recently immunised or has any allergies. It is also useful to know when any developmental checks have taken place.
In the case of minor illnesses or accidents the key person will contact parents/carers.
If your child requires medical treatment in an emergency whilst at nursery, either the Manager, Deputy or key Person will accompany them to hospital. You will be informed immediately.
Absence
Please notify the setting as soon as possible if your child is sick and will not be attending. Please also inform the setting of any holidays that are to be taken during the term.
Toilet or Potty Training
This is always done in conjunction with parents/carers wishes and consistent with good practice.
Mealtimes
Mealtimes are fundamental to the health and happiness of young children. Sharing a meal is an enjoyable social occasion and children are encouraged to adopt appropriate table manners and respect for each other at an appropriate level.
Snack bar
Snacks are an important source of nutrition and energy for young children. We offer a variety of fruits, vegetables and snacks for the children to eat. Milk and water are provided for the children to drink. The snack bar is open during the morning and afternoon play session and children are encouraged to visit this at some point. A member of staff is always available at the snack bar to discuss healthy eating and help develop independence with pouring, cutting and sharing.
Please provide a healthy snack at least once a week for your child to share at the snack bar.
Packed Lunch
Familiar routines around lunch time in the setting help mealtimes run smoothly and give security to children who are anxious about eating. Children sit in small groups with staff members during this period. Sometimes children sit with friendship groups and other times with key person groups. We share a quiet moment before we start meals to establish a sense of 'togetherness' and calm. Children are encouraged to develop independence and good hygiene routines.
Please provide your child with a suitable lunch box that is easy to open. A freezer pack will ensure that your child's food will be kept at the right temperature. Please avoid sending fizzy drinks, chocolate products sweets or nuts. We send any unfinished food back inside the lunch boxes for parents/carers to monitor what each child has eaten.
Hygiene
The children are encouraged to develop and take pleasure in good hygiene habits at all times and recognise the importance of keeping healthy, and those things that contribute to this.