Oakhouse Montessori, 77 Wimborne Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 4JR

Toddlers

Toddlers - 15 Months to 30 months (development based)

Welcome Message from Nikki Huczyk

- Deputy Manager

“Welcome parents and carers to our Toddler Room. Within our space we have 3 rooms divided into areas:

  • art and crafts
  • small world and construction with role play and reading areas
  • soft play, climbing frame room

Across the three rooms we are able to fully observe and expand childrens’ learning in all areas of development. We try and follow individual routines where possible and work in partnership with parents.

We like to do ‘circle time’ twice a day with the children, where we sing familiar songs and teach them numbers 1 to 10, colours and shapes. We also have a ‘story of the week’ which is read daily to the group.

Another activity we find the children enjoy is ‘magic box’ – inside this are a few recognisable objects which the children can not touch, the idea is to help children learn by listening and looking.

The softplay room is a big hit with our toddlers, giving them the opportunity to freely explore the climbing frame, ball pool and soft climbing apparatus with confidence.

I look forward to meeting you and your child and showing you all that we have to offer here at Oak House Montessori”

Choosing a childcare setting for your toddler 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 toddler and talking through any questions you may have.

Your toddler's first day

On your toddler’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.

Services Provided

  • All food and drink are included in your session price.  We ask that you provide nappies and baby wipes, a spare change of clothes in case of any little accidents, a pair of indoor shoes or slippers and appropriate outdoor wear.
  • Weekly planning is completed by the staff caring for your child ensuring that a variety of activities are provided which cover all areas of learning and development.  By knowing the children 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 offer two settling-in sessions, free of charge.  During these you will be required to complete a few forms which will provide us with information that will ensure that we can plan for your child’s individual needs and preferences and make the transition between home and nursery easier.
  • We document your toddler’s day using daily sheets which contains details on what they have eaten, their toileting and what activities they have participated in.
  • Your toddler will have a ‘Key Person’ who will create a ‘Learning Journey’ which contains observations and photos to show what your toddler 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
  • 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.

Additional Information

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 encourage you to have your say at our parents’ forums.

We plan for each individual child’s next steps and interests.  Using the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum a range of experiences and activities are provided to ensure your child develops in all areas, as well as having a fun filled time.

Typical Activities

The children are able to participate freely in a variety of activities throughout the day, across three rooms.  We have a soft playroom, with a ball pool and climbing apparatus, a role play/free playroom and a messy room where children are able to be creative using different media and materials.

Outside play is available everyday with access to a decked area, with a large sandpit, playhouse and swing/slide set, as well as the AstroTurf area where they are able to learn ball skills and other games

Toddler Mealtimes

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 and to pour their own drinks, where possible, to develop self-help skills.

Snacks: A snack is given during the morning and afternoon sessions where children are offered a choice of two snacks which they are able to self select. 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 and water; water is available to every child throughout the day