A summary of our key policies can be seen below. Each nursery has a full copy of all our Policies and Procedures that can be accessed at any time by parents. Please speak to your nursery manager, deputy managers or a member of the team.

It is a framework which shapes high standards of practice. At our nurseries we embrace the EYFS wholeheartedly, from activities, resources and staff training through to policies, procedures and management. A child’s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances.

The Nursery follows a structure of learning, development and care for children from birth to five years old. This is called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and it enables your child to learn through a range of activities.

EYFS seeks to ensure that we provide the level of care which means parents can be confident that their child will receive a quality experience that supports their development and learning.

The EYFS principles that guide the work of the Nursery are grouped into four themes and are as follows:

• A Unique Child: Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
• Positive Relationships: Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a keyperson.
• Enabling Environments: The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.
• Learning and Development: Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected.

There are SEVEN areas of Learning and Development, which help us to observe, plan and assess your child’s activities, based on their individual development and needs.

• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal social and emotional
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design

This approach ensures that the EYFS meets the overarching aim of improving outcomes and reflects that it is every child's right to grow up safe, healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and with economic well-being.

Partnership

We recognise that starting nursery for children and parents is a big steppingstone; we are here to help support families from the moment you enter our doors, flourishing with you and providing your little ones with the best send off to big school.

We work in partnership to build strong positive relationships with the parents and carers of all the children who attend our nurseries.

There are plenty of opportunities to be involved in your child's progress at nursery, to meet with staff, network with other parents and become a part of our nursery community.

Key Person

Each child at nursery will have a key person who will support your child's learning and development throughout their time at nursery ensuring that their individual needs are met.

Your child's key person will nurture your child through new challenges, experiences and opportunities, inspiring their natural curiosity. Developing a special bond with you and your child so you feel safe and confident leaving your child in our care.

Staff will observe your child on a day-to-day basis while they are playing and exploring and will track their development in their learning journal. Staff will give you feedback at the end of each session verbally and through our Parent What's App, Messages can be sent via the Whats App for staff and parents to communicate throughout the day to make it easier for parents who are busy at work.

Settling in Your Child/Children

Leaving the security and comfort of the family home and coming to a busy nursery can be a very testing time for many children and their parents / carers. Our nurseries can arrange for a suitable settling in period, which is designed to meet the individual needs of each child.

Once you have confirmed your acceptance and a registration fee has been received for your child.

>We will offer the opportunity for your child to have two taster sessions free of charge, which will last between 1 - 2 hours. It is recommended that during the first half of their first taster session you stay with your child to discuss any routines, needs or requirements that they may need during their time at nursery.

The second visit we advise parents to try leave the child for one hour with their key person, calls can be made at any time to check on your child. It will also give them the opportunity to familiarize and to adapt to their new surroundings.

During the settling in period with your child you can take small steps back allowing your child to start flourishing.

Whilst you are with your child the child's assigned key person will spend time getting to know you and your child. You can decide whichever plan suits you best., If more visits are needed this can be arranged.

Every child is different; some settle quickly, others may need more time to get used to the changes, but a slow and relaxed introduction into nursery life will be time well spent.

At Willows Private Day Nursery, we will

Ensure all children are treated as individuals. Provide a safe and caring environment.

Work in partnership with parents / carers in order to meet every child's individual needs.

Ensure that a warm, secure, and caring relationship is maintained between all of our staff and the children in their care.

Provide consistent emotional care. Give each child the time, space, and opportunities to develop confidence, self-esteem, and independence.

2-year assessment

An "2-year assessment” this is information from two reviews is shared between your child's health professional and their childcare provider.

All children go through a 2-year assessment to identify and support their development needs. When a child turns two. Parents are then invited into nursery to read and understanding the assessment and asked to write a comment, This form will be in yellow and will be kept within your child's learning files.

This helps to ensure your child's progress and development stages are identified and, if necessary, any needs are supported.

Parents' Evenings

This is an organised time slot to meet with your child's key person to discuss in more detail your child's development, parents also have a chance to look around their child's nursery room to see what they have been doing in class along with their child's artwork. You will also be able to go through their most recent assessments and summative report.

Stay & Play's

These are a fantastic opportunity for parents/guardians and grandparents to join in nursery activities with your child. We hold these sessions throughout the year celebrating different events. It is also a good opportunity to talk to your child's key person as well as meeting other parents.

Connecting with our Nursery community

You will have the opportunity to become involved in fundraising events. Parents are always welcome in the nursery to share skills and hobbies or even read a story to the children.

The nursery website, parent what’s app, newsletters and our Facebook page will also keep you regularly up to date with nursery news and information.

Please feel free to read our Ofsted report - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/5016717