Early Years Home Page

Introduction
We have been operating Day Nurseries since 1980, when we open end, Bingham Day Nursery and Pre-School, This was followed by two nurseries in West Bridgford, Adbolton Kindergarten in 1982 and Trent Fields Kindergarten and Pre-school in 1984 which we ran until 2006. East Leake Day Nursery and Pre-school was purpose-built in 1996 and includes Out of School and Holiday Care facilities which are available to the whole group.

The award-winning Manor Farm Animal Centre and Donkey Sanctuary is also at East Leake. Affiliated to the group, the Farm Centre is closed to the public on Mondays so that all four nurseries can have the sole use of its excellent facilities. Visits are organised regularly, initially on a fun basis, and subsequently educational outings are geared to incorporate the Early Learning Goals and help build children's confidence.

Aims
Our Mission Statement is "We offer individual quality childcare in a safe, caring, loving and stimulating environment."
As a group we treat each child as an individual from birth through to school years, providing first class care in a safe and stimulating environment with a well-balanced day including indoor and outdoor play. Our children are encouraged to undertake a wide range of activities encompassing all types of art, creative work and music in accordance with the Early Years Curriculum, based on the six areas of the Early Learning Goals. Discipline and good manners are considered of prime importance at all times.

Facilities
In addition to our specialised day nursery facilities, children are instructed in the basic skills of reading, writing and number work. Older children also receive an introduction to computer technology, French and music. Each nursery has been extensively equipped to create a warm and caring environment for the children, whilst the installation of a CCTV Security System provides peace of mind for the parents/carers. Regularly inspected by all the necessary authorities, we comply fully with child protection procedures and Department of Education / OFSTED requirements. Our resources are constantly updated to reflect changes in today's society.

Staffing
We have an excellent ratio of qualified and experienced staff which ensures the provision of an enhanced quality of loving child care. In 2000 we gained City and Guilds accreditation for our in-house CAREERCARE training programme and in March 2001 we were recognised as an Investor in People. Qualified teachers in our Pre-school sections maintain the high standard of education which is reflected in our OFSTED Reports.
All of our staff are subject to OFSTED and police clearances, and are committed to supporting our Partnership with Parents policy allowing you the opportunity to discuss any queries you may have regarding your child's well-being at any time.

Food
Well-balanced, child-orientated, nutritious meals are prepared daily on the premises - our menus are on display at the nursery. There is also a light afternoon tea and the opportunity for drinks and snacks throughout the day. Drinks are available at all times.
All special dietary requirements, e.g. for health, ethical or cultural reasons, are catered for - our Nursery Managers will be pleased to discuss these upon application.
Babies' meals and weaning are adapted in consultation with parents/carers.

Opening Times
The nurseries are open from 8am to 6pm throughout the week (these times are negotiable, please ask the Nursery Manager).
Apart from statutory Bank Holidays, the Nurseries will be closed for the last week in August (incorporating Bank Holiday Monday) and from Christmas Eve to reopening on 2nd January.
Priority is given to parents/carers requiring full-time childcare and also to those with a child already attending our Nurseries. Part-time places are available.

Settling In
We endeavour to make every child's introduction to nursery as pleasant as possible. All settling-in sessions are free of charge, the number required and their duration is by arrangement with parents/carers. Development records are kept up-to-date throughout the nurseries. Qualified team members welcome discussions with parents and carers on these or any other topics.

Sickness
In the event of any child being taken ill whilst attending nursery, parents/carers will be notified immediately. Staff also welcome regular enquiries as to the well being and progress of children who may have had a disturbed night, etc. Children suffering from infections, sickness, diarrhoea or any other contagious illness should not be brought into nursery - our Nursery Managers will be pleased to give you guidance on these issues. We ask parents/carers to notify us of any unscheduled absences.

Collection of Children
To help preserve the security of children in our care, we would ask parents/carers to notify the nursery when a child is to be collected by a person not known to the staff (e.g. a grandparent).

For any further information regarding the Early Years Child Care Group, to arrange a
visit to one of our nurseries or for an application form, please telephone our
Head Office on 01509 852797 or email enquiries@earlyyearschildcaregroup.co.uk
with your questions or visit the relevant nursery site above.