Choosing a childcare setting for your baby is a difficult decision, something that we at Oak House Montessori Nursery fully understand. We encourage prospective parents to come and view the nursery, during which time you will be shown around the building, explained to how our daily routines are carried out, meet the staff that will be caring for your baby and talking through any questions you may have.
On your baby’s first day you will be greeted by the staff and you can take your child in and settle them. A member of staff will greet your child warmly, speaking reassuringly to them while encouraging them to take part in the activities provided.
Throughout the day you can phone us to find out how your child is settling, however if your child is upset and distressed, we will contact you. At the end of their first day a member of staff will give you their daily sheet and discuss with you what activities they have been doing throughout the day, what they have eaten, nappy changes/toileting and sleep. Again, this is a good opportunity to ask any questions.
Your baby will have a ‘Key Person’ who will create a ‘Learning Journey’ which contains observations and photos to show what your baby has been doing whilst in our care. This will move through the nursery throughout their time here and once they have reached school age is yours to keep as a memento of your child’s first five years.
The Learning Journey’ is kept in their individual box for you to view at any time this will be unique to them and contains observations, artwork and termly evaluations which details the progress of their development.
Advice on topics such as activities, behaviour, school transitions can be sought from any of our qualified, experienced staff.
Weekly planning is completed by the staff caring for your baby ensuring that a variety of activities are provided which cover all areas of learning and development. By knowing the babies in our care very well we are able to plan activities that we know they will enjoy which in turn will help them reach their developmental milestones.
We document your baby’s day using daily sheets which contains details on what they have eaten, their toileting and what activities they have participated in.
You may be considering starting potty training during this time of your child’s life; our staff are all aware that this is a time that requires sensitivity and patience. Please speak to our staff in order to ensure that the methods being used at home are also being used here at nursery; the key to potty training is consistency and we aim to make this transition as easy as possible for you.
Our staff are always available to provide advice, talk about your child’s progress and listen to anything you may have to say. Working in partnership with our parents is paramount to our success as a high standard nursery and we always welcome feedback and we encourage you to have your say at our parents’ forums.
Our babies participate in many activities as we cater for a variety of development levels. This ranges from tummy time with various cause and effect, noise making and stimulating toys, to participating in messy play, dancing, construction and small world activities.
All children participate in song and story time as well as sensory activities.
At mealtimes our babies all sit together at low level tables or in low level highchairs to encourage social skills and table manners. Staff will help to feed young babies and encourage self-help skills when the babies are able to feed themselves.
We have our own Cook and Housekeeper so we are able to offer meals to suit a wide range of dietary requirements. We aim to make all meals and snacks healthy and nutritious with appropriate portion sizes for your child.
At mealtimes children sit together to encourage them to develop social skills and table manners. The children are encouraged and supported to feed themselves, where possible, to develop self-help skills.
Weaning: We are able to provide meals suitable for babies who are starting on solid foods, either following a pureed food diet or baby lead weaning depending on your preference.
Snacks: A snack is given during the morning and afternoon sessions where children are offered a choice of two snacks. Snacks are varied and options include naan bread, crackers, seasonal fruit, vegetables and dip etc.
At all mealtimes children are offered a choice of milk (when over 1 years old) and water (boiled for under 1 year old); water is available to every child throughout the day
