- At Little Acorns we are dedicated to offering quality care, ensuring that children are free to develop as individuals whilst in a safe and secure environment. All rooms and gardens are arranged to develop the seven areas of learning as set out in the EYFS guidelines.
- Each child has their own clearly named Learning Journal into which is placed spontaneous and planned observations, and samples of the child’s ‘work’. Parents are encouraged to add to the observations as these form the basis for the child’s own Individual Plan. This Learning Journal travels through the nursery with the child and is given to the parents when the child moves on to Big School.
Room Overview
For new children joining Little Acorns, parents complete a My Routine Sheet and are encouraged to stay and settle their baby and to work with staff to form a settling-in plan for each individual child’s and parents’ needs
When moving from the younger class, each child’s key-person will visit the toddler room with them to help bridge the move
Walls are decorated with colourful displays, including examples of the children’s work connected with the current child lead planning. Interest tables, or nature tables, are available at child height, with properly labelled objects for children to handle and explore
I.T. is introduced through push and pull toys and digital cameras for the children to take pictures of each other and their environment
Each child has his or her own clean bedding kept in their own draw for nap time
Children are supported to be independent in their personal hygiene by having irect access to child level toilets and sinks and a hand drier and a safe nappy changing area
Staff promote independent learning, social skills and personal development essential for all toddlers
Staff ensure toddlers can have the opportunity to rest if necessary, sleeping on comfortable sleep mats
- A stimulating and caring atmosphere
- Under floor heating at the Ealing Branch allows for more wall space and warm floors to sit on
- Access to the covered outside play area with an environment that takes account of their physical developmental needs with planting, creativity and physical toys
- Activities that provide a wide collection of opportunities for toddlers to explore investigate and learn in a safe, stimulating place to achieve the seven areas of learning
Staffing
The ratio of staff to children is one to four in the nursery room
The room supervisor and team work closely together with the Manager, staff and with parents to care for the children’s individual needs
The staff are experienced, with a variety of skills and qualifications to meet the needs of the toddlers.
From the moment children arrive, there will be a real choice of activities set out with materials that vary throughout the year with the staff promoting independent learning, social skills and personal development essential for all toddlers
“Access to the covered outside play area with an environment that takes account of their physical developmental needs with planting, creativity and physical toys”