The nursery provides a play-based child centred curriculum, reflecting values universally recognised in the field of early childhood education. These experiences are designed to build on children’s prior knowledge, by allowing them to make connections and extend what they already know in a creative way, as they develop personally, socially and emotionally. Children are encouraged to discover and investigate for themselves through a varied programme of child initiated and adult led experiences, in small and large groups, or 1:1 interactions.
The philosophy supports the experience gained at the museum from interacting with the museum’s unique offering of ‘must-touch’ exhibits, especially designed for children under 12. More about the Eureka! galleries.
Planned experiences are informed by ongoing observations of individual children’s development and learning. These experiences ensure that the nursery environment is purposeful, caring and supportive in helping children to develop and learn. Imaginative, inclusive planning offers opportunity for extension and progression for all children using the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Progress records
An individual record of each child's development is maintained, through on-going tracking and observations by the staff. The records document children's achievements and progress rates, as well as areas requiring additional adult intervention. These records can be viewed confidentially at any mutually agreed time. The individual records are collected together in a development file that accompanies each child as she or he moves through the centre and is handed to the parent when the child leaves.
Parent Partnership
The relationship between the child's parents, carers and the nursery is crucial to the child's well-being, development and progress. We aim to foster a trusting and mutually-supportive partnership, in which parents feel welcomed into the centre and there is a two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise.
Settling In
For a few days before the child starts their usual attendance pattern we ask parents to come and spend time with their child in the appropriate unit, gradually increasing the time the child is left. This is planned with your child’s keyworker.
Daily Feedback
Once a child starts nursery and throughout their time with us the staff will support each child and parent. We do this by making time at the start and finish of each child’s day whenever possible to talk to each parent and exchange information. In addition to this for the under 3s, your child’s keyworker will complete a daily sheet informing you what they have eaten, whether they have slept and their nappy changes/toileting details.
Individual Feedback
Your child’s keyworker will meet with you at least once a year to share your child’s development file and discuss their progress with you. This is a confidential one to one meeting.
Parents Room
We also have a parent’s room where you can gather information about child development issues and have confidential discussion with staff. If you want to use this please ask.
Exchanging information
As well as having regular daily discussions, we encourage exchange of information by:
- Making available a file containing all policies and procedures - this is kept at reception
- Preparing a bi-monthly newsletter highlighting events and developments at the centre
- Holding parents' evenings regularly to give parents/carers opportunities to talk to staff about progress and developments at the centre
- Maintaining a parents' notice board in the reception area, displaying notices and posters
- Producing an annual quality questionnaire and then publishing results and action points
- Providing a suggestions box at the reception desk and responding promptly to the feedback received
The Eureka! Nursery also has an open door policy and parents and carers are always welcome to speak to the manager or individual members of staff. We will do our utmost to accommodate individual needs.
