Fledglings – A Parents’ Guide
www.hazelwoodschool.co.uk Our philosophy
How do we communicate?
We work in partnership with parents to ensure every child is happy, contented and feels safe and secure in our setting. We provide a nurturing environment where every child’s curiosity is fostered. We encourage children to develop confidence, to think critically, and to persevere, through challenging and playful opportunities. We employ staff who love working with our youngest children and demand excellence from themselves. They are sensitive and thoughtful practitioners who promote independence, resilience and a positive self image in each child.
At Hazelwood Nursery we use “Famly” which is a platform that enables us to communicate easily with you. As a parent, you will receive an individual log-in which will allow you to access the Famly app via your mobile or online.
How will my child be cared for in Fledglings?
• A calendar which details menus and upcoming events.
We pride ourselves on the high standards of care we provide for our under two’s. In both Fledglings’ rooms we have an adult to child ratio of 1:3 and every child has both a primary and secondary Keyperson. The Keyperson takes responsibility for the child’s personal care, liaises with parents, and monitors developmental progress by completing a Learning Journey. Nappy changing, sleep arrangements and potty training (as appropriate) are planned to suit each individual child, in close consultation with parents.
• Invoices.
What is a Learning Journey? A Learning Journey is a document showing each child’s developmental progress, mainly through written observations and photographs. This document is kept electronically and will be shared with parents at regular intervals.
Famly enables us to share photos, videos, observations and reminders to individuals or whole classes. You will have access to: • A news feed which will allow the room to provide regular updates before, during and after your child’s session. • Your child’s Learning Journey.
• Accident forms.
How do children learn in Fledglings? All children’s learning at the Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance (EYFS) which is the statutory play-based curriculum guiding the learning, development, and care for children from birth to 5 years of age. The EYFS covers seven areas of learning, three Prime and four Specific. Observations of the children are used at weekly planning meetings to help devise a programme of fun and stimulating activities relevant to each child’s development and interests. In Fledglings we mainly focus on the three Prime areas of development. Then as the year and children develop, broader elements of learning are incorporated. The learning areas are as follows:
NB More detailed information on our curriculum will be provided at our EYFS information meeting which will be held in September.
www.hazelwoodschool.co.uk Prime areas Personal Social Emotional Development: This area is focused on the children’s bond with their Keyperson and building their confidence in a new environment as well as establishing their sense of self. Communication and Language: As our young children develop their communication skills through babbling and first words, we will encourage the emergence of speech by providing language rich environments throughout the day with Keyperson’s and their peers. Physical Development: A huge amount of physical growth happens in our Fledglings rooms. We help to develop the children’s movement throughout their time both in our rooms, using planned physical activities and climbing equipment as well as using the halls and outside spaces. Specific areas Literacy: In order to foster a lifelong love of reading, it starts in the Fledglings rooms Each day, the children are given frequent opportunities to: • Play throughout the day with a range of exciting resources both indoors and outdoors using their adjoining outside areas. • Socialise and build relationships with other children and staff in small and large groups. • Practise their verbal and physical skills as appropriate for their stage of development. • Develop the use of their senses through different types of exploratory play. Further information regarding: Staffing, Policies, Term dates, Menus, Wrap around care alongside any other information relating to the 2016 Consumer Act is available on our website www.hazelwoodschool.co.uk.
through language comprehension. This is developed by the adults in the room talking with the children about the world around them, reading stories and enjoying rhymes and songs together. Mathematics: Our Fledglings rooms will provide activities and resources, using mathematical language to initiate the beginning stages of exploring numbers, shape, space, and measures. Understanding the World: Within this area of learning, our Fledglings children are encouraged to develop their early attachments with their Keyperson, use their senses to explore the world around them and foster curiosity in all that they do. Expressive Arts and Design: The Fledglings staff provide the children with a variety of different play and learning opportunities to explore different media and materials through sensory exploration, movement and music.
What are the daily routines in Fledglings? 7.30-8.45
Arrivals, breakfast and free play
8.45-10.15 Daily focus activities, free play inside and outdoors 10.15-11.45 Rolling snack time, planned activities and free play 11.45-12.30 Circle time with stories and songs, lunchtime 12.30-2.30 Sleep/quiet time and free play 2.30-4.00 Rolling snack time, planned activities and free play 4.00-5.00 Tea time 5.00-6.00
Late room in Fledglings 2
The Hazelwood Promise At Hazelwood School we promise: to inspire all pupils with the ambition to achieve their highest academic standards. to nurture and support all pupils on a journey of self development, providing excellent care and guidance whilst encouraging independence, inner confidence and mutual respect. to offer the opportunity for all to be inspired with passion and determination and to participate fully in the wider life of the school. to ensure pupils have an understanding of their place in the local and global community. to employ staff who love working with children and who demand excellence from themselves and their pupils, acting as dynamic and inspirational role models. to work in partnership with our parents to ensure that every child’s time at Hazelwood is happy and enriching, preparing them fully for the life they choose.
The Fledglings staff team look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure your child has a happy and stimulating time with us.