Hillcrest - Northern Counties Nursery

Our Services

The new nursery provision opened in September 2006. OfSTED approval was achieved in August 2006.

Hours

7:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday.
The manager is responsible for organising the staff shift pattern and ensuring that a senior experienced member of staff is available at all times.

Baby – Under 2 Service

This is accommodated in a small suite of rooms which are ideal for the youngest children. They have their own baby changing unit and milk preparation unit attached with everything on hand that the children will need. Staff use the new ‘Birth to Three Matters Framework’ to plan for and encourage the children's development. In one of these rooms we have a sensory room. The sensory room has materials and activities for the children to explore and investigate. There will be a quiet room where the children can rest and relax. The minimum staff ratio is be one nursery nurse for three children, but can be more than this at times.

2 to 3 Year Old Group

This suite of rooms is divided to accommodate the younger 2’s in one area and the older 2’s in the other. Staff continue to use the ‘Birth to Three Matters Framework’, they ensure a good routine is followed every day and this includes circle time, which encourages speaking and listening and concentration. The activities in this area include sand and water play, role-play, creative work, mark making and construction/carpet play. In consultation with parents we can begin toilet/potty training but also provide nappy changing facilities in this area. The school already has its own laundry on the premises. The older children in this group have links with the preschool area next door so that the transition to that room will be smoother. The children are taught independence skills and encouraged to do things for themselves with support. The children are still able to sleep if that is part of their routine. They are encouraged to join group activities but can have time to play alone or have a quiet moment to themselves if they need it. The minimum staff ratio is one nursery nurse for six children, but more be than this.

Pre School Group – mornings

The preschool area is for children aged three to five years. Children still have the same caring environment as for all the other areas and take part in the curriculum for the Foundation Stage/Early Learning Goals. Planning is far more structured and the children continue learning through play activities. Everyday activities include sand and water areas, investigation table, IT, mark making, creative activities, construction, role-play and again much encouragement is given to help them become more independent and confident. This group meets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. The minimum staff ratio will be one nursery nurse for six children, but may be more than this.

Pre School Group – afternoons

It is possible for children from this group to stay on throughout the afternoon if their parents wish this to happen. A wider range of activities are available utilising the resources of the school. For children with special educational needs hydrotherapy/therapy sessions may be available during this time. The staff ratio will be one nursery nurse for six children. This may be reduced to one nursery nurse for three children where they have special educational needs which require this.

Day Care Respite Service

It is possible for parents of children with special educational needs to attend on a daily basis providing it is booked in advance and a vacancy on that day is available. Parents are able to use direct payments to pay for this service if they are receiving these. The staff ratio will normally be one nursery nurse for three children.

Holiday Day Care Service

This service will be available to children who have special educational needs aged 3 to 9 years. A full programme of activities is planned to take place during school holidays and parents are able to book their child onto the programme on a daily basis. The staff ratio will range between one nursery nurse to six children or three children dependent upon their needs.

School for Parents

We provide a free service for parents who wish to learn more about their child’s disabilities and how they can help them. Practical sessions are provided where parents can work with their own child under the leadership and supervision of experienced staff from Northern Counties School. In addition specific training courses will be arranged dealing with issues of common interest to parents.

Information and Family Support Service

This service is provided by our own member of staff who is be funded through our Family Service.

Management

Overall responsibility for the nursery resides with the Head teacher of Northern Counties School. She is responsible for the appointment of staff, their supervision, training and the monitoring and evaluation of standards. She supports the management team of the nursery to ensure continuity of care and co-ordination of therapeutic services.

Manager

A suitably qualified teacher / nursery nurse to undertake the day to day management of the nursery has been appointed. They have the necessary experience to support parents, train and advise staff and liaise with the therapy team and other services in the community.