The Nursery

Once Upon a Time's Day Nursery at Hayes takes children from 18 months to 5 years. We have one main playroom that is bright, colourful and spatial where the children can enjoy a wide range of activities and play.

The Nursery has highly experienced and qualified staff, some of whom have been with Once Upon a Time for over 12 years. All our staff are qualified with either their Level 2 or 3 in NVQ Childcare and Education, as well as having a wealth of knowledge gained by qualifying in other childcare related courses, i.e. Child Protection, First Aid, Foundation Stage training, Birth To Three training to name but a few.

All our equipment and toys are age related and appropriate to the children's learning needs. We have visits from the local community; people who can help our children understand about their local community and how we can all help each other. Such visitors include the Community Police, Church Reverend, Fire & Rescue Crews, Ambulance Crews and Traffic Theatre Groups who help the children understand how to use the pavements and cross roads safely.

The Garden

We have a fantastic outside area, which has been newly resurfaced and boasts a fine range of apparatus to promote gross motor and physical skills. We are right beside a large park and the local library which we regularly visit with the children.

Diet

All our meals are prepared daily on the premises and cooked using fresh and local ingredients. We believe it is very important that children have a properly balanced diet including five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables per day. We cater for all dietary requirements. At mealtimes, the children serve their own meals and pour their own drinks with the support and help of the staff.

Educational Philosophy

We are a High/Scope Nursery and we promote independence throughout our routine. We plan activities with the children and each activity is child lead. The staff are always there to support, guide and encourage the children to become confident and independent. We follow topics throughout the year and ask parents to contribute where they can i.e. bringing in items from home to celebrate festivals or special days.

Each child is placed in an aged related key group, which each member of staff plan for, using the Early Years Curriculum, Birth to Three or Foundation Stage. All our equipment is clearly labelled so the children can help to look after things properly and store them carefully away when finished with. All the equipment is kept at the child's level for easy access.

The Nursery use Phonics to help children recognise letter names and sounds; this will help them when they move into school reception. We hold consultation evenings with parents twice a year to talk about how well the children are progressing

Services

Pick ups from Belmore School and Yeading Infants School

Music and Movement

Computer exercises

Fund-raising afternoons

Professional Photography services

Discounted Books

Highlights

• The nursery is welcoming, safe and in a quiet position,
• Our staff are all experienced, qualified and caring people.