Aims and objectives

The Wishing Well aims to ensure that each child:
•    Is cared for in a safe and stimulating environment
•    Is given the highest standard of care and attention because of our ratio of nursery staff to children
•    Have the opportunity to join other children and adults to play and learn together
•    Is provided with the appropriate activities to allow them to progress
•    Has a dedicated Key Person to provide an excellent standard of child care

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the guidance issued by Department for Children, schools and families for children from birth to five years. It provides advice and detailed information on supporting children’s learning and development and welfare.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which guides the work of all practitioners is grouped together into four complementary themes: 
•    A Unique Child
•    Positive Relationships
•    Enabling Environments
•    Learning and Development

Practitioners will reflect on the different ways that children learn and reflect on their practice. Three characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:
•    Playing and exploring
•    Active learning
•    Creating and thinking critically

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Our nursery offers a 'home from home' environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years where they are cared for and motivated to grow as individuals. We aim to provide child care based on traditional family values. Our professional and friendly nursery staff teach by example; and by sharing mealtimes with the children, they develop both social and good eating habits.

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The Wishing Well Nursery each child's dedicated Key person will be on hand to record your child's achievements and share them with you at regular intervals. We operate an open door policy; where you are free to make an appointment to discuss your child's progress at any time, and express any concerns you may have with regards to their development.

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Your child's Key person will shadow your child through their child care journey at the Wishing Well in every room to ensure your child is involved in a variety of activities throughout the day. They structure your child's day through regular planning with all members of our qualified nursery staff, and make all staff aware of any additional needs your child may have.

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We are confident that our staff provide, the very best care for your child at all times and are totally committed to their development.

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Transition Statement

Children ideally move on when they are developmentally ready. Thought and care is taken with transition between the groups: Little Lambs, Bouncing Bunnies s and Smart Squirrels Short regular visits are made prior to starting in a new area of the Nursery, and children begin to build a bond with their new Key Person. It is sometimes possible for children to transfer in pairs and we will try to move children that have made friendships together.

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There is a good scope for continued contact between staff and children. Although the rooms are self-contained areas within the main area, we plan for the varying age groups, the nursery is generally envisaged creating flexibility and integration between areas, shared staff and resources. We also encourage siblings to have regular contact with one another.

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Routines

Each room has their own routine and plan of activities which are displayed for parents.

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We encourage our children to learn through play in a structured and well planned nursery curriculum.

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First Stop is our Little Lambs room   from birth to 2 years old - This room provides care and stimulation for your baby to develop at his/her own pace, reaching milestones in a safe and caring environment. with access to their own garden providing learning to continue in the outside environment

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Your baby /young child can recharge their batteries in our sleeping area, with fresh bedding allocated to each individual child. Our qualified nursery staff will watch over and care for every child as they sleep for reassurance, for both child and parent.

Next stop is where our toddlers in the Bouncing Bunnies room 2 – 3 year olds can start to explore the world around them., brings the children together to enjoy imaginative and creative play. Your child can participate in a wide variety of activities under the guidance and care of their Key person, who will record achievements as well as listening to and observing your child as they play.

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Babies and young children are getting to know themselves and what they can do. Having close relationships with those around them, promotes self-assurance and a sense of belonging in our nursery, as a secure base to learn and try new experiences.

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Our nursery offers babies and young children good nutrition, play, rest and a high standard of care accommodated so that their growth and development are assured.

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with access to their own garden providing learning to continue in the outside environment:

• Children beginning their lifelong learning within the Prime areas

• Communication and Language

• Physical development

• Personal, social and emotional development

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Then it’s on to our Smart squirrel’s room for 3-5 year olds, which takes them on a nonstop express destination to 'big school'.

These rooms are equipped with a variety of hands on equipment for children aged between 3 to 5 years to explore a wealth of literacy, mathematical development, and science in a fun and stimulating setting. Our nursery uses the 'Learning and Development' guidance of the Early Years Foundation Stage. These supports and enable practitioners to provide opportunities for children to play, learn and succeed in an atmosphere of care and feeling valued.

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The children have access to outside space in our nursery garden or in the secure play park situated next to our nursery with access to swings, climbing frame, roundabout, seesaw, rocking animals, balancing beams and plenty of space to exercise.

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Children continue with their lifelong learning with the addition of the specific areas:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the world

• Expressive arts and design

Sleep

There is provision for older children 2-5 years to rest during the day. Sleeping arrangements are always discussed with parents, children sleep on mats or wicker baskets and have a sleep according to their needs. We provide bedding for each child.