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Organisation
of the day at
Heath Farm Day Nursery
​Upon arrival in the morning the children will be offered breakfast and a drink. They are then guided into small groups according to their age and the ratio of staff to children. The children will then move around the different areas of the nursery and participate in the various activities in each area.
The Baby Room
From the under 2’s entrance is the Baby room. For the purposes of child/adult ratios your child is under the care of the Baby room until their second birthday. However once your child is confident on their feet and comfortable with their surroundings we shall begin to explore the other areas of the nursery.
The key worker for your baby will keep a detailed daily diary of the things that happen during your baby’s time at nursery. There will be a record of nappy changes, feeds and sleeps. Named coat pegs and individual baskets are used to store your baby’s belongings such as creams and lotions, comforters or personal blankets.
The baby room is homely, light and airy. Upstairs, a sleep room houses cots and small beds for your child to rest. Clean cot linen is available for each baby for each session. There are also reclining chairs and a pram for babies to sleep in – we will follow your preferences with regard to your baby’s routine.
A host of toys and play equipment will be available for your crawling and exploring little ones. We aim to offer a full range of visual, sensory and tactile stimulation for the youngest of our babies and a variety of surfaces and seats for your baby to enjoy lying in or on will be provided!
Whilst we shall ensure that your baby gets lots of cuddles we shall also make sure that he/she doesn’t come to expect to be held or carried all the time!
Weather permitting, babies will be taken outside during each session and will join with the other children at snack and mealtimes. At certain times throughout the day a small group of the older children may be escorted into the baby room so that interaction can take place across the age groups.
Beyond the Baby Room..
Once your child becomes an accomplished toddler they will be encouraged to join in with selected activities with some of the older children, under the guidance of their key worker.
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Your child will become part of our toddler group which ventures beyond the Baby Room. There will be a gradual socialization program for your toddler, at a pace which is appropriate for each individual. We shall ensure that they always feel secure and happy in their surroundings.
The 'Big Room'
The Big room is a large and spacious nursery room which houses a host of activity areas and acts a s a base room for the children aged between 2-3years. The Home Corner, reflects the current theme, be it a Doctor’s surgery, a shop, or a castle. A music system will be available to reinforce other activities such as music and dance / movement.
There will be room for large scale floor play such as Construction, Duplo, or Miniature World play such as the Farm, Jungle world, Cars, Animal Hospital, or the Family Doll’s House. The Big room will also have the flexibility to host group activities such as singing, dancing and physical activities.
In really cold or wet weather; climbing apparatus or small apparatus will be used in this large room. It is important that your child has the opportunity to let off some steam whilst simultaneously developing their physical skills.
The Pre-School Room
Off the entrance lobby, this room acts as a base for the older children. This is a space that the children can access resources that are more age appropriate for their stage of development. They can set something up and return to it at a later date without it being interfered with or pose a risk to the younger children.
A computer will be in this area and children will have access to programmes appropriate to their level of development. Mouse control and hand-eye coordination will be greatly enhanced by regular but regulated access. Children will be given the opportunity to use the computer during each session.
Creative Room / Wet & Messy Area
This area will host the painting, water, sand, soil and clay play! In fact - anything wet or messy! A structured activity will always reflect the monthly theme. Aprons will be provided, however please do not send them in their best clothes.
The Dining Room
We aim to make mealtimes a comfortable and social occasion when all the children can join together and enjoy their meal in a relaxed, yet disciplined manner. We encourage good table manners and the correct use of cutlery.
Heath Farm Day Nursery has a full time Cook to prepare all of our meals on the premises and from fresh ingredients. We operate a five week menu in which we vary the days of each week. We follow a healthy eating plan and have our 5 a day fruit & veg plan in operation!
Food Allergies
Due to the alarming increase of severe allergies in children today, it is nursery policy not to have any nut products on the premises. Other allergies will be discussed with parents and a suitable course of action will be implemented. Similarly, special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or cultural / religious restrictions will be catered for.
Table Top Room
&
Mini Kitchen
The table top room will be used for table-top activities. Weighing, measuring, small construction, snipping and sticking, playdoh and a host of other activities. Small group activities such as table-top games will be a regular sessional feature as well as puzzles, colouring and board games.
During each session a group of children will be involved in doing a food preparation activity. This may take the form of weighing out pasta, making cakes or biscuits, or simply counting out fruit segments.
Upstairs
We have a lovely sleep room and cot room upstairs where the children take their naps and which can double up as an additional space for quiet group activities.
The staff room is also upstairs to enable the staff to take a well earned “5 minutes peace” away from the children and carry out preparation and planning work. The view across the fields to the Cathedral are fabulous!
The Nursery Garden
The outdoor area of the nursery is large and spacious and varied. The children will have their own vegetable garden, the produce of which will be used in the kitchen for their meals. The children will be involved with planting seeds, watering, weeding and harvesting from their garden.
We have various secretive seated areas around the garden for quiet and reflective moments. There are play houses and a variety of slides and apparatus to suit the seasonal needs. In fine weather the children will be outside as much as possible, even for a picnic tea!
Outdoor Play
The Ride-on-toy patio has a selection of trikes and vehicles. Other patio areas enable year round outdoor activities such as a chalk board, sand and water play.
All children will have the opportunity for outdoor free play and a structured outdoor activity during each session. We aim to encourage your child to accomplish a host of physical skills using their body and small apparatus.
Our nature garden, hosts balance beams, willow arches, stepping logs, boulders and a large sandpit. We also have a pet area with rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, sheep and chickens. The children enjoy going on outings into the field to feed the animals.