Daisy and Rainbow Childcare - Vision and Mission Statement
Our Vision
Children grow to feel safe and happy, to thrive and have lifelong fun, learning through play.
Our Mission
Daisy and Rainbow is at the heart of our community, easily accessible, where all people feel welcomed and listened to.
High quality integrated childcare services are delivered by a professional, happy and highly motivated team.
We promote good relationships, mutual respect and sensitive support which build confidence and raise self-esteem.
Continuous reflection enables us to nurture a rich learning and caring environment which celebrates achievement and success.
Daisy and Rainbow Childcare Ethos
Our ethos is to provide a safe and happy place for babies and children to learn through play. Where parents feel reassured that their child’s physical and emotional needs are being met in a nurturing, ‘homelike’ environment.
Our staff believe in the strong promotion of children’s good emotional wellbeing through the THRIVE approach by acknowledging the value of positive praise, considerate and caring attitudes and actions. Staff encourage self-discipline, consideration and respect for others and for the property, facilities and surroundings of the childcare setting. We promote these values by treating children with respect, leading by example and by staff acting in a caring and considerate manner towards each other. It is considered that in this way children will develop a positive attitude for the future and promote their independence.
Safety
All staff have positive clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service, hold a Pediatric First Aid certificate, have safeguarding training and either hold or are working towards a level 2, 3 or 4 qualifications in Childcare. Our leadership team is degree qualified.
We work to ratios of adults to children: 1:3 for under 2-year olds, 1:4 for 2 years olds and 1:8 for our 3 and 4-year olds
Daisy and Rainbow Childcare welcome all children and adults and does not discriminate in any way towards gender, race or ethnic origin, creed, colour, religion, disabilities or impairments. Every child and adult will be treated as an individual who has individual needs; this includes special educational needs where appropriate.
Funded Places
All children are eligible to receive up to 15 government funded hours at Nursery per week, from the term after their 3rd birthday. Some children, of working parents, may be eligible for extra funded childcare up to a total of 30 hours at Daisy (term-time) or 22 hours per week at Rainbow (fulltime) Some 2-year olds may also be eligible for a funded place. Please ask for further information or visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk where you can find out about all the funded options along with other help available such as Tax-Free Childcare, Tax Credits and Childcare Vouchers.
Fees
Our invoices are issued monthly, on the 1st of each month. Invoices are payable by the 15th of each month.
We require four weeks’ notice if your child is going to leave. If this is not given, we reserve the right to charge for four weeks in lieu. Session times may be changed without administration charge, if there is availability, with a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice in place. An administration fee of £10 will be charged for any childcare session changes made without due notice.
Keypersons
Our team of childcare workers all work together to support the needs of your child. Your child will be allocated a keyperson who will get to know you and your child just that little bit better. Please let your keyperson know about any significant events at home and/or any changes in your child’s health.
Do ask questions about how your child is getting along and please share any problems or concerns you may have about your child. Your keyperson will be there to let you know how your child is progressing and to share any concerns we may have. They will be responsible for updating and maintaining your child’s electronic learning journey (EYlog)
Key Times In Our Day
Family Time
Is the special time each day we spend in our key family groups making connections with each other, developing relationships and relationship skills such as listening, turn taking, recognising emotions and each other’s needs, sharing ideas and conversation.
PAWS play
PAWS play is a part of our daily timetable and is aimed at the children who will be going to school in September and is linked with the “I am ready to go to School” leaflet.
PAWS play is an adult initiated activity which supports children by giving them the skills to be comfortable and to be able to achieve at school. This time is curriculum based and is linked to a learning theme. It will be planned by curriculum lead level 3 practitioners who will deliver their planned activity in their own style.
We will be encouraging the children to listen and increase their attention skills, to take turns, and to share and feed their curiosity to become lifetime learners through guided play.
PAWS play is supported and led by an adult, however our aim is not to take over their thinking and doing, but to provide opportunities for children to learn through sustained shared thinking with an adult and peers. With our much younger babies and toddlers at Rainbow they explore play and care through a sensory provision with adults in close communion.
Paddy PAWS
This is a time when our babies and toddlers at Rainbow can explore tummy time, early movement opportunities, music and early relationships through a range of sensory play provision. At all times our team will be closely involved at the child’s level providing close contact and care.
Child Led Play
We closely observe children at play so that we can learn about each child as an individual. We use this to follow their play and learning and to provide for their interests and enthusiasms and to ensure we are best meeting their specific needs and stages of development. We will want to talk with you about how they play at home and will encourage opportunities to share in person and via EYlog.
Meals
We are lucky to have an agreement in place with Food Inc who deliver local organic fruit and veg each week.
At Rainbow we provide a breakfast of cereal and milk for our early starters. There is a snack and a beaker of milk or water both mid-morning and mid-afternoon. A home cooked lunch, cooked on the premises is offered at lunch time. Later in the afternoon we share a light teatime meal.
At Daisy we proved a snack and a beaker of milk or water both mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Children who stay over at lunchtimes are invited to bring in a small healthy lunch selection in your child’s very own lunch box.
We are alert to child allergies - Please do not bring in any nuts or nut products.
Snack Time
We routinely provide a nutritious snack for the children accompanied by a beaker of milk or water. We also encourage children to help themselves to water at any time throughout the day from the water cooler.
If your child has any food allergies or a special diet, please inform a member of staff. We may provide wrist bands for these children to ensure their needs are recognised by all staff and students.
Practical Information
Communication
We have several ways of communicating with our parents – Please do check for important updates and information.
When bringing your child in, please ensure that you check in with a member of staff. It is essential that we keep accurate records of who is in the building in case of emergency.
If you are staying for the session, please sign our visitor’s book to satisfy health and safety regulations – you will be asked to wear a visitors badge.
Confidentiality
All information about children and families is treated as strictly confidential. It will only be shared to those staff who need to be aware of the information to best support the needs of the child.
Door Security
Please ring the bell when you arrive and a member of staff will let you in.
Collecting Children
Please let us know if someone else will be picking up your child so we can arrange a password to ensure your child is safe. We will not let a child leave with anyone unless we have been informed by a parent beforehand.
Absence
If your child is absent, please let us know. There is an answer phone in operation out of hours. Fees are still payable unless your child is hospitalised, when a waiver will be made. If you opt to take your child on holiday full payment will still be required.
Clothes
Please help us out by dressing your child in clothes which are not too precious – they will get messy! If you can avoid too many buttons, bows, belts, dungarees and tight clothing this will also help with toileting. Please supply a named bag of spare clothes to cater for spillages and accidents. We do keep a big box of spare clothes, if we need to use them on your child, please wash out and return to us the next day. Please ensure all your child’s clothing and shoes are named, especially outdoor coats and shoes.
Medication
We do not accept children who are being given Paracetamol medication unless this is for teething only.
If any form of prescribed medication is administered by a member of staff, we will need your written consent. NB ONLY MEDICINES PRESCRIBED BY THE DOCTOR WILL BE ADMINISTERED. In the case of a child developing a high temperature, we will contact you for permission to give Paracetamol. With this there is an expectation that your child will be collected within ½ hour.
Skills/Volunteering
As a registered charity, our budget is always tight and we rely on parental goodwill and involvement. If you have any skills, you can offer the group then please let us know. So please come forward all plumbers, gardeners, builders, seamstresses, painter decorators, crafts people, cooks, computer whizz kids, book keepers etc. etc. etc…
Record Keeping
As part of the requirements of our registration we keep full achievement and progress records for all children. We use an online system called EYlog (Early Years Log) which allows staff to capture a photo, a video clip or a voice recording as well as written notes using a tablet computer and to assign this to one or more children. These observations from staff members are then uploaded to a secure web-based learning journey to which you as a parent would also have access to.
We believe that using online learning journeys will allow both a rich body of evidence to support our partnership with parents and to help us plan for individual children’s development, and of course a wonderful keepsake for you to share with your child.
The technology also supports a daily record, especially for the under 1-year olds at Rainbow, of food, milk, and nappy changes. By logging these as they occur, we can ensure that up-to-date information is always available to parents.
Please phone or talk with your child’s keyperson or use EYlog to send us any messages directly about your child. We will send you observations of your child’s play – DO also send us any photos, video and comments you make at home too.
There will be a consent and registration form to sign prior to your child starting.
Trips and Visits
On occasion, we like to take the children out on various trips. To do this, we need a high level of staff and/or parental support. Please support us when we venture out, as these occasions are both great fun and offer valuable experience to our children.
Recycling
Children are very creative. We are grateful for any newspapers, boxes, yoghurt pots, lids, tubes etc. When having, a toy clear-out, please consider donating them to us. Anything we cannot use, we can sell. The money raised can then be used for new resources.
Fundraising
Our ability to provide the best for our children depends on successful fundraising, which in turn depends on your support and active involvement.
Do please support any fundraising efforts such as sales of books and raffles. We also accept any donations you may have that can either be used in the group or sold to raise funds. We have a small second-hand shop at Daisy – we welcome both donations and help form parents to keep it stocked and looking tidy.
We have a group of parents who are dedicated to help us with our fundraising. If you have some spare time and energy do help us out by joining this group to help at fairs, fetes, open days, etc.
Thank You.
Some key points from our policies
All our policies are designed to offer the best possible experiences to children and families. Our policies are reviewed on a regular basis and comments and suggestions from parents are always welcome. Our full policy statements are available on our websites.
Childcare - When a child is not collected within 10 minutes of the close of the session we will
a) Try to contact the parent/carer
b) Try to contact the emergency contact person, and
c) If all contacts fail, we will alert the police/ and or social services
There is a chargeable late collection fee of £15 per 15-minute period.
SO please ensure you let us know if you are held up for whatever reason.
Health and Safety – If a child shows active symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea or high temperature, parents will be contacted directly to take the child home.
If your child or any member of your family suffers from gastroenteritis, vomiting or diarrhoea they will be excluded from Nursery until they have been clear of all symptoms for 48 hours.
Chicken pox - Please let us know if your doctor confirms the diagnoses and keep your child home until all the spots have scabbed over.
Sunshine - Lovely, but potentially dangerous! Please supply a hat and t-shirt to cover shoulders for your child and apply sun cream before the session. If your child is with us for the day we ask that you contribute to the cost of sun cream so that staff may apply it if necessary.
Nappies - We request that you supply your own nappies and when you feel as though your child is ready to be toilet trained, we will work with you.
Dummies and bottles are not accepted for use with our older children due to the many poor health and speech outcomes this can impact upon. We will ask any that you use with your child to be popped in their bag and will give you support to be able to wean your child from their use.
Mobile Phones are not permitted in the childcare environment.
How we Help Children to Learn
Within the group all children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace by means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of individual adult input and care. We use the Early Years foundation stage to support our planning for the day. Our policy throughout is that the children are learning through PLAY.
We know that children will only be able to play and learn if they feel safe and happy – that is always our Priority.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
“Play is vital for children. It’s through play that babies and young children learn, grow and have fun.” (EYFS - It’s Child Play)
Making Relationships: Each child is allocated a Key person who, we hope, will build a good relationship with your child and your family.
Self-care: Each session the children are offered a ‘café style’ snack, where independence is encouraged. This is a great time to chat and make friends.
Self-confidence and self-esteem: Each child has his/her own coat peg and name label. Please encourage your child to find his/her own peg. The children are encouraged to talk and to express their feelings, emotions and to respect the feelings of others.
Sense of community: We offer many early multi-cultural experiences by observing different festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
Any opportunity to leave the building and go out for outings and visits is taken with enthusiasm.
Behaviour and self-control: We have our ‘Golden Rules’ to help the children learn the boundaries and expectations.
Our Golden Rules
Reading: The children can freely select books, which are changed on a regular basis from our cosy corner for individual, group or adult led reading.
Writing: Each day a range of drawing and writing materials are made available for the children to experiment with and practice pre- and early writing skills.
Linking sounds and letters: We introduce children to phonics using numerous games and our friendly glove puppets to improve their auditory skills and to prepare them for early letter recognition.
Language for communication: We encourage children to learn some simple MAKATON signs to help with communication
Physical Development
Movement and Space: Within each session we recognise the importance of physical play offering a wide variety of experiences and the opportunity to practice many different skills.
We have a large selection of physical play equipment for use both outdoors and inside.
Using equipment and materials: Children are encouraged to develop their gross motor skills by climbing, hand eye co-ordination, throwing, catching and balance.
Health and Bodily Awareness: hygiene and awareness of own bodily needs.
Creative Development
Exploring media and materials: Creativity through the daily provision of paint, drawing materials; craft work and play dough, but above all by our encouragement of each child’s own creative expression.
Developing imagination: Our home corners offers the children the chance for dressing-up and role-play.
Creating music and dance: The use of our musical instruments encourages early music skills, creativity and the chance to make a HUGE NOISE!!!!
Mathematics
Numbers and Calculating: Counting skills are encouraged using number songs and nursery rhymes. The daily availability of jigsaw puzzles encourages an awareness of space and form and problem-solving skills.
Shape, Space and Measures: Each day the children can access either sand or water play and may handle different sized containers and experience the transfer of the contents.
The use of early mathematical language is practised throughout the children’s play along with sorting sets and construction toys.
Our Vision
Children grow to feel safe and happy, to thrive and have lifelong fun, learning through play.
Our Mission
Daisy and Rainbow is at the heart of our community, easily accessible, where all people feel welcomed and listened to.
High quality integrated childcare services are delivered by a professional, happy and highly motivated team.
We promote good relationships, mutual respect and sensitive support which build confidence and raise self-esteem.
Continuous reflection enables us to nurture a rich learning and caring environment which celebrates achievement and success.
Daisy and Rainbow Childcare Ethos
Our ethos is to provide a safe and happy place for babies and children to learn through play. Where parents feel reassured that their child’s physical and emotional needs are being met in a nurturing, ‘homelike’ environment.
Our staff believe in the strong promotion of children’s good emotional wellbeing through the THRIVE approach by acknowledging the value of positive praise, considerate and caring attitudes and actions. Staff encourage self-discipline, consideration and respect for others and for the property, facilities and surroundings of the childcare setting. We promote these values by treating children with respect, leading by example and by staff acting in a caring and considerate manner towards each other. It is considered that in this way children will develop a positive attitude for the future and promote their independence.
Safety
All staff have positive clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service, hold a Pediatric First Aid certificate, have safeguarding training and either hold or are working towards a level 2, 3 or 4 qualifications in Childcare. Our leadership team is degree qualified.
We work to ratios of adults to children: 1:3 for under 2-year olds, 1:4 for 2 years olds and 1:8 for our 3 and 4-year olds
Daisy and Rainbow Childcare welcome all children and adults and does not discriminate in any way towards gender, race or ethnic origin, creed, colour, religion, disabilities or impairments. Every child and adult will be treated as an individual who has individual needs; this includes special educational needs where appropriate.
Funded Places
All children are eligible to receive up to 15 government funded hours at Nursery per week, from the term after their 3rd birthday. Some children, of working parents, may be eligible for extra funded childcare up to a total of 30 hours at Daisy (term-time) or 22 hours per week at Rainbow (fulltime) Some 2-year olds may also be eligible for a funded place. Please ask for further information or visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk where you can find out about all the funded options along with other help available such as Tax-Free Childcare, Tax Credits and Childcare Vouchers.
Fees
Our invoices are issued monthly, on the 1st of each month. Invoices are payable by the 15th of each month.
We require four weeks’ notice if your child is going to leave. If this is not given, we reserve the right to charge for four weeks in lieu. Session times may be changed without administration charge, if there is availability, with a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice in place. An administration fee of £10 will be charged for any childcare session changes made without due notice.
Keypersons
Our team of childcare workers all work together to support the needs of your child. Your child will be allocated a keyperson who will get to know you and your child just that little bit better. Please let your keyperson know about any significant events at home and/or any changes in your child’s health.
Do ask questions about how your child is getting along and please share any problems or concerns you may have about your child. Your keyperson will be there to let you know how your child is progressing and to share any concerns we may have. They will be responsible for updating and maintaining your child’s electronic learning journey (EYlog)
Key Times In Our Day
Family Time
Is the special time each day we spend in our key family groups making connections with each other, developing relationships and relationship skills such as listening, turn taking, recognising emotions and each other’s needs, sharing ideas and conversation.
PAWS play
PAWS play is a part of our daily timetable and is aimed at the children who will be going to school in September and is linked with the “I am ready to go to School” leaflet.
PAWS play is an adult initiated activity which supports children by giving them the skills to be comfortable and to be able to achieve at school. This time is curriculum based and is linked to a learning theme. It will be planned by curriculum lead level 3 practitioners who will deliver their planned activity in their own style.
We will be encouraging the children to listen and increase their attention skills, to take turns, and to share and feed their curiosity to become lifetime learners through guided play.
PAWS play is supported and led by an adult, however our aim is not to take over their thinking and doing, but to provide opportunities for children to learn through sustained shared thinking with an adult and peers. With our much younger babies and toddlers at Rainbow they explore play and care through a sensory provision with adults in close communion.
Paddy PAWS
This is a time when our babies and toddlers at Rainbow can explore tummy time, early movement opportunities, music and early relationships through a range of sensory play provision. At all times our team will be closely involved at the child’s level providing close contact and care.
Child Led Play
We closely observe children at play so that we can learn about each child as an individual. We use this to follow their play and learning and to provide for their interests and enthusiasms and to ensure we are best meeting their specific needs and stages of development. We will want to talk with you about how they play at home and will encourage opportunities to share in person and via EYlog.
Meals
We are lucky to have an agreement in place with Food Inc who deliver local organic fruit and veg each week.
At Rainbow we provide a breakfast of cereal and milk for our early starters. There is a snack and a beaker of milk or water both mid-morning and mid-afternoon. A home cooked lunch, cooked on the premises is offered at lunch time. Later in the afternoon we share a light teatime meal.
At Daisy we proved a snack and a beaker of milk or water both mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Children who stay over at lunchtimes are invited to bring in a small healthy lunch selection in your child’s very own lunch box.
We are alert to child allergies - Please do not bring in any nuts or nut products.
Snack Time
We routinely provide a nutritious snack for the children accompanied by a beaker of milk or water. We also encourage children to help themselves to water at any time throughout the day from the water cooler.
If your child has any food allergies or a special diet, please inform a member of staff. We may provide wrist bands for these children to ensure their needs are recognised by all staff and students.
Practical Information
Communication
We have several ways of communicating with our parents – Please do check for important updates and information.
- Notice Board – this is located at the entrance and is updated daily.
- EYlog – an internet based programme, keeping you right up to date with your child’s progress and development
- Email – Regular newsletters and information.
- Facebook – Like our Facebook page to catch all the news.
- Talk to us – Please stop us anytime if you need any questions answered.
When bringing your child in, please ensure that you check in with a member of staff. It is essential that we keep accurate records of who is in the building in case of emergency.
If you are staying for the session, please sign our visitor’s book to satisfy health and safety regulations – you will be asked to wear a visitors badge.
Confidentiality
All information about children and families is treated as strictly confidential. It will only be shared to those staff who need to be aware of the information to best support the needs of the child.
Door Security
Please ring the bell when you arrive and a member of staff will let you in.
Collecting Children
Please let us know if someone else will be picking up your child so we can arrange a password to ensure your child is safe. We will not let a child leave with anyone unless we have been informed by a parent beforehand.
Absence
If your child is absent, please let us know. There is an answer phone in operation out of hours. Fees are still payable unless your child is hospitalised, when a waiver will be made. If you opt to take your child on holiday full payment will still be required.
Clothes
Please help us out by dressing your child in clothes which are not too precious – they will get messy! If you can avoid too many buttons, bows, belts, dungarees and tight clothing this will also help with toileting. Please supply a named bag of spare clothes to cater for spillages and accidents. We do keep a big box of spare clothes, if we need to use them on your child, please wash out and return to us the next day. Please ensure all your child’s clothing and shoes are named, especially outdoor coats and shoes.
Medication
We do not accept children who are being given Paracetamol medication unless this is for teething only.
If any form of prescribed medication is administered by a member of staff, we will need your written consent. NB ONLY MEDICINES PRESCRIBED BY THE DOCTOR WILL BE ADMINISTERED. In the case of a child developing a high temperature, we will contact you for permission to give Paracetamol. With this there is an expectation that your child will be collected within ½ hour.
Skills/Volunteering
As a registered charity, our budget is always tight and we rely on parental goodwill and involvement. If you have any skills, you can offer the group then please let us know. So please come forward all plumbers, gardeners, builders, seamstresses, painter decorators, crafts people, cooks, computer whizz kids, book keepers etc. etc. etc…
Record Keeping
As part of the requirements of our registration we keep full achievement and progress records for all children. We use an online system called EYlog (Early Years Log) which allows staff to capture a photo, a video clip or a voice recording as well as written notes using a tablet computer and to assign this to one or more children. These observations from staff members are then uploaded to a secure web-based learning journey to which you as a parent would also have access to.
We believe that using online learning journeys will allow both a rich body of evidence to support our partnership with parents and to help us plan for individual children’s development, and of course a wonderful keepsake for you to share with your child.
The technology also supports a daily record, especially for the under 1-year olds at Rainbow, of food, milk, and nappy changes. By logging these as they occur, we can ensure that up-to-date information is always available to parents.
Please phone or talk with your child’s keyperson or use EYlog to send us any messages directly about your child. We will send you observations of your child’s play – DO also send us any photos, video and comments you make at home too.
There will be a consent and registration form to sign prior to your child starting.
Trips and Visits
On occasion, we like to take the children out on various trips. To do this, we need a high level of staff and/or parental support. Please support us when we venture out, as these occasions are both great fun and offer valuable experience to our children.
Recycling
Children are very creative. We are grateful for any newspapers, boxes, yoghurt pots, lids, tubes etc. When having, a toy clear-out, please consider donating them to us. Anything we cannot use, we can sell. The money raised can then be used for new resources.
Fundraising
Our ability to provide the best for our children depends on successful fundraising, which in turn depends on your support and active involvement.
Do please support any fundraising efforts such as sales of books and raffles. We also accept any donations you may have that can either be used in the group or sold to raise funds. We have a small second-hand shop at Daisy – we welcome both donations and help form parents to keep it stocked and looking tidy.
We have a group of parents who are dedicated to help us with our fundraising. If you have some spare time and energy do help us out by joining this group to help at fairs, fetes, open days, etc.
Thank You.
Some key points from our policies
All our policies are designed to offer the best possible experiences to children and families. Our policies are reviewed on a regular basis and comments and suggestions from parents are always welcome. Our full policy statements are available on our websites.
Childcare - When a child is not collected within 10 minutes of the close of the session we will
a) Try to contact the parent/carer
b) Try to contact the emergency contact person, and
c) If all contacts fail, we will alert the police/ and or social services
There is a chargeable late collection fee of £15 per 15-minute period.
SO please ensure you let us know if you are held up for whatever reason.
Health and Safety – If a child shows active symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea or high temperature, parents will be contacted directly to take the child home.
If your child or any member of your family suffers from gastroenteritis, vomiting or diarrhoea they will be excluded from Nursery until they have been clear of all symptoms for 48 hours.
Chicken pox - Please let us know if your doctor confirms the diagnoses and keep your child home until all the spots have scabbed over.
Sunshine - Lovely, but potentially dangerous! Please supply a hat and t-shirt to cover shoulders for your child and apply sun cream before the session. If your child is with us for the day we ask that you contribute to the cost of sun cream so that staff may apply it if necessary.
Nappies - We request that you supply your own nappies and when you feel as though your child is ready to be toilet trained, we will work with you.
Dummies and bottles are not accepted for use with our older children due to the many poor health and speech outcomes this can impact upon. We will ask any that you use with your child to be popped in their bag and will give you support to be able to wean your child from their use.
Mobile Phones are not permitted in the childcare environment.
How we Help Children to Learn
Within the group all children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace by means of developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of individual adult input and care. We use the Early Years foundation stage to support our planning for the day. Our policy throughout is that the children are learning through PLAY.
We know that children will only be able to play and learn if they feel safe and happy – that is always our Priority.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
“Play is vital for children. It’s through play that babies and young children learn, grow and have fun.” (EYFS - It’s Child Play)
- EYFS covers children from birth to end of reception (the first year) in school.
- All children are supported in developing their potential at their own pace by developmentally appropriate play activities and a high level of adult input.
- We plan from children’s individual needs, interests and schemas (repetitive patterns of play across various situations).
Making Relationships: Each child is allocated a Key person who, we hope, will build a good relationship with your child and your family.
Self-care: Each session the children are offered a ‘café style’ snack, where independence is encouraged. This is a great time to chat and make friends.
Self-confidence and self-esteem: Each child has his/her own coat peg and name label. Please encourage your child to find his/her own peg. The children are encouraged to talk and to express their feelings, emotions and to respect the feelings of others.
Sense of community: We offer many early multi-cultural experiences by observing different festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
Any opportunity to leave the building and go out for outings and visits is taken with enthusiasm.
Behaviour and self-control: We have our ‘Golden Rules’ to help the children learn the boundaries and expectations.
Our Golden Rules
- Kind Hands
- Kind Feet
- Kind Words
- Sharing is Caring
- Listening Ears
- Walking Inside, running Outside
Reading: The children can freely select books, which are changed on a regular basis from our cosy corner for individual, group or adult led reading.
Writing: Each day a range of drawing and writing materials are made available for the children to experiment with and practice pre- and early writing skills.
Linking sounds and letters: We introduce children to phonics using numerous games and our friendly glove puppets to improve their auditory skills and to prepare them for early letter recognition.
Language for communication: We encourage children to learn some simple MAKATON signs to help with communication
Physical Development
Movement and Space: Within each session we recognise the importance of physical play offering a wide variety of experiences and the opportunity to practice many different skills.
We have a large selection of physical play equipment for use both outdoors and inside.
Using equipment and materials: Children are encouraged to develop their gross motor skills by climbing, hand eye co-ordination, throwing, catching and balance.
Health and Bodily Awareness: hygiene and awareness of own bodily needs.
Creative Development
Exploring media and materials: Creativity through the daily provision of paint, drawing materials; craft work and play dough, but above all by our encouragement of each child’s own creative expression.
Developing imagination: Our home corners offers the children the chance for dressing-up and role-play.
Creating music and dance: The use of our musical instruments encourages early music skills, creativity and the chance to make a HUGE NOISE!!!!
Mathematics
Numbers and Calculating: Counting skills are encouraged using number songs and nursery rhymes. The daily availability of jigsaw puzzles encourages an awareness of space and form and problem-solving skills.
Shape, Space and Measures: Each day the children can access either sand or water play and may handle different sized containers and experience the transfer of the contents.
The use of early mathematical language is practised throughout the children’s play along with sorting sets and construction toys.
Complaints procedure
If at any time you feel there is a problem please speak to a member of staff who you feel can appropriately deal with it. Alternatively, you can write to the Centre Manager, please see ‘Contact Us’ for more details.
Parents
We are keen for parents to be a part of their children’s time at Daisy and Rainbow. Do come into the sessions and feel free to stay and Play at any time. We welcome your interest in what we are doing and why. Do ask questions!
If you need to talk to a member of staff about your child in confidence, please ask for an appointment this ensures we can arrange suitable cover for the children.
We look forward to developing a caring and happy relationship with your child and aspire to getting to know you, the parent, too!
We welcome all feedback on the group. Please feel able to praise, admonish or to proffer any brilliant or even seemingly mundane thoughts! We would receive all comments with interest.
First impressions count, so tell us now!
Treasure!
The kinds of items we use routinely for play at the Centre can normally be easily found around the home.The items need to be clean, safe from sharp edges / rust etc and in good enough condition to be handled by children
We are keen to extend and develop our collection of items and are on the look out for donations which may include…….
Zippered purses / Wallets / Any sort of bag / Wooden boxes / Mug tree / Rolling pin/Beads / Belts / Clean chains
Bakeware / Pringle tubes with lids / Baubles / Plastic bottles with tops / Very large cardboard boxes / shells/Large pieces of material / Cables / Ribbons / Bedding pillows/ duvets / covers/String / cord / sellotape / corks / Basketware / Large spoons / Wooden utensils / Bath sponges / Wool / Wooden spoons / Sparkly things / Buttons / Balls / Milk/bottle lids / cds / Net curtains / Metal tins / Pine cones / pebbles / Hats / scarves / Ping pong balls / Egg cups / Egg boxes / Wood off cuts /Tape measures / Key rings and keys / mirrors / Paper plates / Paper cups / Loofas / Large cardboard tubes / loofas / Pumice stone / Chamois leather / Leather off cuts / brushes
Have a look around your kitchen, re-cycling bin, garage, attic and spare room and if you have anything that might be suitable – please give us first refusal!Thanks
If at any time you feel there is a problem please speak to a member of staff who you feel can appropriately deal with it. Alternatively, you can write to the Centre Manager, please see ‘Contact Us’ for more details.
Parents
We are keen for parents to be a part of their children’s time at Daisy and Rainbow. Do come into the sessions and feel free to stay and Play at any time. We welcome your interest in what we are doing and why. Do ask questions!
If you need to talk to a member of staff about your child in confidence, please ask for an appointment this ensures we can arrange suitable cover for the children.
We look forward to developing a caring and happy relationship with your child and aspire to getting to know you, the parent, too!
We welcome all feedback on the group. Please feel able to praise, admonish or to proffer any brilliant or even seemingly mundane thoughts! We would receive all comments with interest.
First impressions count, so tell us now!
Treasure!
The kinds of items we use routinely for play at the Centre can normally be easily found around the home.The items need to be clean, safe from sharp edges / rust etc and in good enough condition to be handled by children
We are keen to extend and develop our collection of items and are on the look out for donations which may include…….
Zippered purses / Wallets / Any sort of bag / Wooden boxes / Mug tree / Rolling pin/Beads / Belts / Clean chains
Bakeware / Pringle tubes with lids / Baubles / Plastic bottles with tops / Very large cardboard boxes / shells/Large pieces of material / Cables / Ribbons / Bedding pillows/ duvets / covers/String / cord / sellotape / corks / Basketware / Large spoons / Wooden utensils / Bath sponges / Wool / Wooden spoons / Sparkly things / Buttons / Balls / Milk/bottle lids / cds / Net curtains / Metal tins / Pine cones / pebbles / Hats / scarves / Ping pong balls / Egg cups / Egg boxes / Wood off cuts /Tape measures / Key rings and keys / mirrors / Paper plates / Paper cups / Loofas / Large cardboard tubes / loofas / Pumice stone / Chamois leather / Leather off cuts / brushes
Have a look around your kitchen, re-cycling bin, garage, attic and spare room and if you have anything that might be suitable – please give us first refusal!Thanks
