We set out to create an environment in which children will be safe, stimulated and challenged. A place where fun and enjoyment go hand in hand with learning and discovery. Achieving these aims and maintaining our high standards does not happen by accident. It is the result of a carefully thought out approach, clearly defined objectives, rigorous standards and regular reviews of our performance.

We value our relationships with parents highly and are committed to working in partnership with you by sharing information, listening to you and fostering good communication.

With this in mind, we have prepared this Parent Handbook. It explains our approach to education, our policies and procedures and sets down the standards by which we will judge ourselves and be judged by others.

The publication of this Handbook reflects our commitment to providing children with the best possible start to their education. It also acknowledges the seriousness with which we take the responsibility for our part in their development during these vitally important formative years.

Should you wish to discuss any of the issues raised in the Parent Handbook, please speak to us. We would be delighted to help.

We look forward to seeing you and your child at Saplings.

We believe that early childhood is a time of "... incredibly rapid, open-minded learning, of vivid imagination and intrigue with the universe. A magical time." (Buzan 1995). Children’s absorbent, active minds are ready and willing to be exposed to a variety of learning experiences. Their natural motivation leads them to discovery and their enthusiasm inspires all who care for them.

We are committed to preserving children’s right to be playful, have fun and develop at their own pace. The variety of activities and experiences we offer children will engage them in exploring the richness and diversity of seasons, festivals, their own interests and the interests of others.

Our approach incorporates principles which are synonymous with common features of good practice. This includes the implementation of the High/Scope Curriculum and requirements laid down by the Department for Education and Employment. We provide a well organised physical environment, consistent daily routine, and an adult approach that encourages children to:

Every day at Saplings, children of all ages engage in a variety of activities. Their day begins with the sound of Vivaldi or another lively piece of classical music, indicating that it’s time to come together for a greeting song. Greeting time is followed by exploring a new piece of equipment, singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, or talking and listening to stories and poetry.

Saplings’ pre-schoolers are recognisable for their ability to "Plan-do-review" (High/Scope). For them, meeting together in a planning group with their key worker is a daily occurrence. During "Planning Time" they discuss individually what they would like to do, make and create, and how they will manage all this. They share ideas and, when able, they sometimes predict problems and talk through how they will solve them.

"Doing" involves carrying out their plans, using readily available materials and equipment which are attractively presented, safe and easily returned. When the "do" part of the day is over, the children return to their key groups where they share their experiences with others.

Small group time is another event that occurs daily. This is when children work on a special activity, usually initiated by an adult. It may involve exploring mathematical or scientific concepts such as discovering what floats and what sinks. It may be pounding, stretching or modelling play-dough or clay, going for a walk to the shops or making three dimensional models out of various boxes and containers.

For children under two years, at least twice a week, small group time will involve discovering what the "treasure baskets" contain, or engaging in "heuristic play". These activities provide items for exploration which may appear to the untrained eye a little strange (none of the "heuristic play" articles is a bought toy or item made of plastic). However, if you look closely, you will see that each item has been chosen for the texture, shape, weight, scent, taste, sound, colour, form, length, and shininess it offers. Elinor Golschmied and Sonia Jackson’s book Children Under Three, as well as our own experience, tells us that young children find these activity times intensely interesting.

Saplings’ staff hold a variety of qualifications awarded by various certification bodies including BEd, Cert Ed, TOTT, NNEB, City and Guilds, BTEC, PLA and NVQ. All staff undergo our internal training scheme and attend our intensive training week at Whitsun.

All staff have made a commitment to these aims:

Once settled, children normally attend nursery happily. However, when a child moves rooms, circumstances change at home, or after a prolonged absence, you may find that a resettling period may occur. Sharing information to help us gain a full understanding of the situation, means we will be able to work effectively to assist them through this phase.

Sometimes your child will wish to bring a favourite toy or object from home. This can be a great source of comfort, even when children are happily settled. However, it can also be a source of conflict as most children have difficulty sharing their well-loved possessions. In these circumstances, we would appreciate your sensitivity to the needs of your child and other children. Always make sure a member of staff knows that your child has brought something from home. An additional help would be to encourage your child to place the possession in the home box or on the home shelf, where things can be kept safe.

All staff employed by the nursery have an understanding that nursery education is a powerful vehicle for transmitting information which influences how children’s attitudes are formed.

The nursery welcomes the attendance of any child, including children with special needs. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that all children are valued and able to fulfil their potential. However, we will only encourage this if we feel that the nursery is capable of adequate provision. We want all children to have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We will continue to develop our awareness of these issues, and we welcome contributions from parents.

A child is never smacked, shaken or treated roughly. There are no circumstances in which such punishment can be justified.

Our approach helps children to see the consequences of their actions. For example, if a pre-schooler is reluctant to help clear up an activity, the extra time it takes to get the room in order shortens the time available for a story. The nursery sets clear limits which help children to control their own behaviour. One example of a set rule is that children will not be allowed to hurt themselves, others, or things. All limits imposed by this nursery will be clear, and a reason for the rule always given. Adults speak calmly and clearly to children. We recognise there may be problems during the day if children are bored or rushed, when they have to wait, or are over-stimulated without time to unwind. This means we have planned the daily routine in a way which helps to prevent these problems arising in the first place.

Nursery staff are expected to model the type of behaviour which they would expect from children. They act in a caring and considerate manner towards each other. They listen to children, and offer support to help them verbalise their frustrations, hurts and disappointments.

Our aims are that children learn that they can trust in the environment and the future. We want them to develop the will to exercise choice and self-restraint, and to gain a sense of self-control and self-esteem. We want to work together in partnership with you to lay the foundations from which your child will grow into a happy, self-confident, well adjusted individual.

Saplings Nursery has a commitment to providing a healthy and safe environment, both inside and outside the nursery. The Health and Safety Procedures outlined in the Nursery Procedure Manual satisfy the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other statutory provisions.

We have included here, for your attention, a few procedures which we believe are immediately relevant to you. However, if you would like to see the complete set, please ask the Nursery Manager for a copy. Any matters concerning the general implementation or review of this documentation should be brought to the attention of the Nursery Manager.

Our employers and public liability insurance certificates are displayed in the nursery.

If a child is not collected by 6.30pm, and no arrangement for late collection has been made, staff will try to contact you and your emergency contacts immediately.

If antibiotics have been prescribed the child should be kept away from the nursery for 48 hours. First, for your child’s comfort and well-being, and second to minimise cross-infection. Furthermore, children should not attend if they have vomited, had diarrhoea or a high temperature within a 12 hour period prior to nursery attendance.

Saplings reserves the right to exclude a child if it is considered to be infectious or not fit enough to attend. When a child has suffered from an infectious disease or illness, a clearance certificate is required from the child’s GP on return to the nursery.

• The Child Care Association

• Working for Child Care

• The National Children’s Bureau

If a child lives with criticism
He learns to condemn

If a child lives with hostility
He learns to fight

If a child lives with ridicule
He learns to be shy

If a child lives with shame
He learns to feel guilty

If a child lives with tolerance
He learns to be patient

If a child lives with encouragement
He learns confidence

If a child lives with praise
He learns to appreciate

If a child lives with fairness
He learns justice

If a child lives with security
He learns to have faith

If a child lives with approval
He learns to like himself