Pastures WayNursery School

A guide for parents/carers0– 5 years old

2016-2017

Pastures Way Nursery SchoolPastures Way

LutonLU4 0PE

Tel/Fax (01582) 600691e-mail: admin@pasturesway.nurseryluton.com

website: www.pastureswaynursery.comFacebook & Twitter: Pasturesway

1

Interim Headteacher: Emma Pobjoy

Chair of Governors: Mr Julius Kandekore

Children and Learning DepartmentLuton Borough Council

Unity House111 Stuart Street

LutonLU1 5NP

(01582) 546000

Governing Body

Julius Kandekore (Chair)(Co-opted Governor)Vacancy (Local Authority Governor)

Chris Thurston (Vice Chair) (Co-opted Governor)Ben Harris (Co-opted Governor)Carly Butler (Co-opted Governor)

Debbie Wells (Co-opted Governor)Glynis Gray (Co-opted Governor)

Kathryn Banville (Parent Governor)Livia Cori-Watts (Parent Governor)

Rebecca Billington (Parent Governor)Camelia Lee (Staff Governor)Emma Pobjoy (Headteacher)

2

Contents Page Number

Admissions Criteria 6Behaviour 17Complaints 24Curriculum 11English as an Additional Language 18Food & Mealtimes 9Governors 23Health & Safety 22 & 23Inclusion 18Learning Areas 15 & 16Learning at Home 21Meadows children’s Centre 26OFSTED 23Outdoor Play 12 & 13Parking 25Pupil Premium 16Religious Education 18Reporting to Parents 20Safeguarding 21School Travel Plan 24Settling 7Snow Policy 25Times 5Toileting 10Treasure Baskets & Heuristic Play 14Values 17Vision 4Working together 19

Pastures Way Nursery School VisionOur vision at Pastures Way Nursery School is to create a setting where children are:

‘Learning through play in a nurturing way’We believe children learn through play, first-hand experience and meaningful conversation. They make sense of the world through exploring and experimenting. We

3

support children’s learning by stimulating their natural curiosity and encouraging independence.

Our 5,4,3,2,1 FrameworkThis is the framework on which the vision for our Nursery School hangs: 5,4,3,2,1...

5 Outcomes for children • Staying safe

• Being healthy

• Enjoying positive relationships

• Achieving and enjoying

• Experiencing economic well-being

4 Key themes for quality experiences • The unique child

• Positive relationships

• Enabling environments

• Learning and development

3 Points of our ‘relationship triangle’ • Child

• Parent / Carer

• Practitioner

2 Lines of accountability • OFSTED

• Local Authority

1 Leadership team • The Governing Body set the vision and establish the right culture to drive forward

improvement to ensure that the best life chances are secured for every child.

What can we offer you?As a Luton Borough Council maintained Nursery School we offer both Nursery education and Childcare. Please see below which is suitable for your needs:

4

Nursery Education We offer 3 classes for children aged 3-5 years staffed by Teachers and well qualified, experienced practitioners. Each child has a named key person.

15 hours per week free Early Years Education to children 3-5 years This time can be taken over 5 mornings or 5 afternoons. A limited

number of 2.5 day options are available. Attendance times must be pre-set termly and are subject to

availability. Morning sessions begin at 8.45am and end at 11.45 am. Afternoon sessions begin at 12.45pm and end at 3.45pm. We also offer education for eligible 2 year olds (please ask in the

office to find out if you are eligible. Lunchtime is from 11.45am to 12.45pm.

Childcare The Nursery School also offers childcare, which you may purchase to suit your needs. We are non-profit making and fees are kept as low as possible. We offer:

Care for babies 0-2 year olds Care for toddlers from 2-3 year olds Extra hours for 2 – 5 year olds to ‘wrap around’ your Nursery

Education place When are we open?

Day care is available from 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday for 48 weeks a year.

Day care closes for 5 working days over Christmas and Easter, 2 weeks in August, for all bank holidays and for two whole school training days.

5

Admissions for 2 year funded childrenChildren who have been granted 2 year funding will be admitted the term after their 2nd birthday, under the following criteria:-

Children already attending day care Vulnerable children, living in Luton, referred by other agencies

e.g. social care, health visitors etc. Children living in Luton with special educational needs Children transferring into Luton already accessing a 2 year

funded place Any other children living IN Luton Any other children living outside the area

Admissions for 3-5 year oldsChildren are offered Nursery Education places the term after their 3rd

birthday. They may stay with us until the term after they are 5. Children are offered Education places at Pastures Way Nursery School in order of registration with priority given to children who:

already attend day care with us are brothers and sisters of present or past pupils are transferring into the area from other schools have severe and complex needs have other urgent need or circumstances

Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school. Please ring for an appointment, so that we can make sure someone is free to show you around.

More information? You may pick up details from Debra King, our Childcare Co-ordinator or Sue Williams, our Office Manager at the school office.

Helping your child to settle into nursery

6

The Nursery is a new environment for your child who will need to adjust to new people, experiences and a change in routine. It may also be a first separation for you and your child. The settling in period is a very important part of a child’s education – learning is an emotional experience and children need to be happy and settled in order to learn. Our experienced team will try to do their best to help you both feel happy and secure.

Please share with us anything which may affect your child on a particular day– for example a disturbed night or changes at home. We will let you know how your child has spent the day and their sleeping and eating patterns. If you are feeling anxious, remember you may phone us at any time to check how your child is - more than once a day is quite common at the very beginning, and we do not mind!

It sometimes helps children to settle if you bring in something familiar to help them feel secure, for example a special blanket, favourite toy, photographs of family or even one of your own old T shirts (unwashed is best!)

As well as being an exciting time it can also be quite stressful for both you and your child. All children are individuals and some children will settle in easily whilst others will take longer. We try to make the adjustment as gentle as possible by allowing you to settle your child at his / her own pace.

Children need time to get to know everyone and to allow the staff to get to know them. Parents and carers need time to get to know their child’s key person and begin to build up relationships. To help in this process we ask that you, or someone close to the child, be available for at least the first two weeks. Your child’s key person will devise a settling in programme with you which will take into account the individual needs of your child.

Always say ‘Goodbye’ to your child, never just disappear!

7

Coming and Going At the start of the session, take your child to their own room and sign them

in. Please indicate in the signing in book, or let staff know, who will be picking your child up at the end of the session.

Please hand your child to a member of staff - never just leave a child to play in the nursery.

Please help your child find the correct peg and hang up his/her own coat. A good strong loop will help. Each child has a badge with their name and key person on it, please help child find theirs and put it on

Please pick up before or after group time to ensure the group time is not disturbed. Once group time has started, please wait in the corridor for staff to let you through.

Always find someone you know and tell them you have arrived. At the end of the session, collect your child from their class room and sign

them out. As you leave, take off the name badge, pin it to their letter pocket, collect

any letters that have been left for you and say goodbye to a member of staff. It is essential for you to let us know when you have dropped off and

picked up your child.

Please note:We never let children go with anyone we do not know without your permission. Children may only be dropped off and collected by someone aged 16 or over (even if you are waiting in the car).

Time Keeping

It is very important to pick your child up on time. Please call us to warn us if you are held up by an emergency. Parents of children who are regularly picked up late will be charged. If your child has extended care our policy is to charge £1 per minute after 6pm.

8

Food and MealtimesBabies Feeds Please provide all feeds daily (milk powder, jars and sealed tubs), until your child is ready to eat nursery meals and snacks. Feeds are name tagged on arrival and stored in the milk kitchen fridge until needed. You must give written instructions for the preparation / heating of food and sign a ‘lunch’ form.

Nursery MealsWe have a kitchen on site and offer a variety of healthy food at snack time and mealtimes. We have gained the Family Food First Award which focuses on providing a healthy environment and supporting children and their families to adopt healthier lifestyles. The menus for breakfast, lunch and tea are displayed in the entrance hall. Please note:

2 – 5 year olds in nursery across the lunchtime period may purchase a lunch or have a free school meal if eligible

Babies in nursery across the lunchtime period will be offered a free meal Sorry, no packed lunches Healthy snacks are provided for all children at no cost If children participate in a cooking activity, the food is usually shared

between the children at the snack table. Children’s birthdays are celebrated in the classroom with their friends.

In line with the Family Food First Award – please do not send in cakes or sweet treats

Also in line with the Family Food First Award, sweets, biscuits, crisps or fizzy drinks are not to be eaten on the premises

Please let us know if your child has any special dietary requirements. If your child has an allergy you will be asked to bring us a letter from your doctor – please see your key person for further information.

9

Toileting and Changing NappiesIf your child is not yet toilet trained, please ensure you send in enough nappies, wipes and creams you would like us to use. When your child is ready for toilet training we can help and give you advice - please ask. Please try to teach your child to use and flush the toilet, and to wash their hands, before starting nursery. All children need spare clothes in case of messy play or toileting accidents – please ensure you keep a bag of clothes on their peg or (if 3-5s) in their drawer.

Uniform Your child may wear any comfortable, easy to wash clothes to school, but if you

would like to buy a school sweatshirt, polo shirt or hat, please ask in the office. Please do not send your child to school in new, expensive or ‘designer’ clothes.

We all get dirty - even with aprons on. Don’t forget to name all clothes as soon as possible especially coats/hats/gloves

and scarves! All nursery class children should wear their name badge when in nursery. These

can be collected at the start of the session. ‘Reduce, Re-use, Recycle’ – please consider donating your child’s school uniform

when they leave or grow out of it.

10

Our Curriculum

Children aged 0-5 follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The seven areas of learning and development which shape activities and experiences for children in all Early Years settings are divided into:  

3 Prime Areas – these lay the foundations for children’s success in learning and in life:

Personal Social and Emotional Development Communication and Language Physical Development

4 Specific Areas – these provide the range of experiences and opportunities for children to broaden their knowledge and skills:

Literacy Mathematics Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design

Information about the curriculum is displayed around the nursery to help you understand what we do. We observe your children carefully and use what we see to plan exciting activities that will interest them and help them learn, using natural materials whenever possible.

Weekly WOWSharing our curriculum with parents and carers

Once a week, stay with your child when dropping off to take part in the quick weekly WOW activity. Collect the curriculum information leaflet from the letter pocket and help your child learn at home by trying on of the six simple suggestions.

Early Years Pupil PremiumWith your permission, we are able to claim additional funding to support children whose families are claiming Income Support or on a low income. When you complete the Admission Form for your child, you will be asked to provide a National Insurance Number and date of birth.

11

Outdoor Play

Outdoor play and physical exercise is very important for children’s learning, health and overall development. Even our youngest children regularly spend time outside each day, unless the weather is unusually severe.

Children can choose to be indoors or outdoors in all weather. A wide range of activities are on offer in our under 3s & 3-5s playgrounds and our shared ‘jungle’ garden area. If you do not feel your child is well enough to enjoy short periods of outdoor play, please keep them at home until they are well enough to do so. Research shows Outdoor Play does not cause colds or ill health, and children who have a cold will not come to harm if they are well clothed and kept warm.

The Children’s Play Council has carried out some research which shows that children who have easy, regular access to outdoor, energetic play:

Are better at physical tasks e.g. doing up a coat, neat hand writing and so on.

Are fitter and are more able to keep up with their friends in the playground at school.

Are less likely to become stressed and anxious.

12

Outdoor Play ClothingAll children need clothing that is labelled with their name.

In cold weather children outdoors need: Layers of clothing – vest, t-shirt, fleece, hat, socks and/or tights Waterproof boots or shoes Waterproof, warm coat Scarf and gloves

In warm weather children outdoors need: Sunhats Suncream Light clothing that covers shoulders Closed in shoes – not flip flops – to avoid injury to feet

Forest School Activities

We have a member of staff who is a trained Forest School Leader, developing children’s environmental knowledge and outdoor craft skills which lay firm foundations for other learning. Children will have the opportunity to attend Forest School Groups for 6 week blocks. We will tell you when it is your child’s turn.

13

Treasure Baskets & Heuristic Play - For Babies and Toddlers Treasure BasketsBabies learn by actively doing, engaging life with all their senses and limbs. As well as providing space for them to develop their motor abilities, we need to nurture their curiosity. In the Baby Room we offer Treasure Baskets to our not yet mobile babies. These provide objects of various sensory qualities for the babies to investigate. In the process of enjoying the activity, babies learn about their world.

Heuristic PlayHeuristic means to ‘find out’ and ‘discover’. In our Baby and Toddler Rooms, we give our mobile babies and toddlers Heuristic Play Sessions. The children are given a large number of different kinds of household objects and containers with which they play freely without adult intervention. They use them to gather, fill, dump, stack, knock down, select and manipulate in other ways. As every parent knows, these types of objects can occupy a child for surprising stretches of time. When toddlers make an enjoyable discovery – for instance when one item fits into another, or an interesting sound is produced – they often repeat the action several times to test the result. Heuristic Play strengthens cognitive development, social development as well as fine muscle control and hand/eye coordination.

Teaching and Learning in Nursery Class Children register on arrival & choose activities around the nursery. 9.15am & 1pm is Story Time in children’s base rooms. 9.35 – 11.20am / 1.35 – 3.20pm are session times for the children to

explore the activities available inside and outdoors. 11.25am & 3.25pm is Quality Time back in children’s base rooms. Please do not drop off or collect your child during Story Time or Quality Time as it disturbs the group. Thank you. Once a week, children are allowed to ‘free flow’ around the nursery

for 1 hour 15 minutes. They are free to choose where in the nursery they would like to play and will have access to all areas, including the baby room, the toddler rooms and the 3 – 5 rooms.

14

Nursery Class Teaching and Learning Areas

Class 1

Painting, Sand, Water, Clay and Dough

Class 2

Writing Table, workshop area, Investigation Area, and Sensory Room (with bubble tube and fibre optics)

Snack Snacks (including a carbohydrate / fruit / milk / water) are available for children to independently access throughout the session.

Class 315

Small world and role play area

Learning opportunities

We believe children have opportunities to learn throughout the setting therefore we do not have specific areas for certain areas of the curriculum. For instance, you will find children engaged in mathematical and literacy activities throughout the setting and not just in one set area.

Pupil PremiumPupil premium gives the nursery £300 per child extra per year, which needs to be focussed on meeting the specific learning needs of the child that we have claimed it for. We record and evidence the impact it has. We have used it in the past to complete Forest School sessions, to facilitate trips, a photography project and music sessions.

Values

16

Values Education helps support and develop children’s personal, social and emotional development.  Each half term staff and children focus on a value and embed it into the learning happening around the nursery.  The Values include; Friendship, Respect Patience, Self-Belief and Unity.  Children respond really well to this approach and we really believe it helps develop their sense of right and wrong and their relationships.

Behaviour

We have a policy for positive behaviour management for all the children. Staff are happy to tell you how this works for your child. Staff do not shout at children except in a real emergency to warn of danger. Children are shown how to care for one another and for the world we share. We use positive language, describing what we want them to do, labelling good behaviour and praising children who are helpful, trying hard and being kind. Please explain to your child that they should always tell an adult if they are ever upset or hurt. Minor arguments are part of growing up and, where possible, we help children to settle things fairly for themselves. Children’s feelings are acknowledged but they are not allowed to hurt others or spoil their fun.

17

Inclusion

At Pastures Way Nursery School, we promote community cohesion and British Values and are actively committed to countering discrimination in

all its forms.

Pastures Way Nursery School is a designated provision for a small number of children with severe and complex needs. The school is committed to inclusion. We believe in equality of opportunity for all. Girls and boys are encouraged to join in all activities on offer. We believe that all children have the right to learn and play together.

Religious EducationThrough our curriculum we give children opportunities to talk about their own, and others, significant and special events. They learn positive attitudes and behaviour towards people who are different to themselves. We want to strengthen the positive impressions children have of their own cultures and faiths, and those of others, by sharing and celebrating a range of practices and special events. If you prefer not to have your child join in any activity, please let staff know.

English as an Additional LanguageWe recognise that each family is different. Many children learn their first language at home and begin learning English when they start nursery. Some families speak two or more languages at home. Children with good knowledge of their home language learn English more easily when they start Nursery. We provide access to specific activities and a differentiated curriculum which supports and extends their English language learning.

If your child is learning English as an additional language, please help at home: o Encourage your child to learn both languageso Speak to your child in your home languageo Play games, sing songs and tell stories in your home language.

18

Working Together

We believe that working together with parents and carers is essential in order to support your child’s learning and development.

We know parents know their child better than anyone so we appreciate working with you to gain the best outcomes for your child.

Through information sharing and our ‘open door’ policy we can get to know every child as an individual and we hope you will work with us to achieve this.

Working together is a cycle of you sharing things with us and us sharing things with you. We ask you to share information about your child at home so we can support them in school and we will share information about your child at school so you can support them at home.

Why is it important to share information?

Working together helps us to develop a trusting relationship with you and your child

It helps you feel valued and listened to It helps us support every child as an individual It ensures you know what your child is learning at school and we

know what your child is learning at home It helps us work out what a child’s next steps in learning are

What will we share and why?

To support a child’s well-being, simple information such as how they are feeling and why, should be shared

To support a child’s learning and development, sharing information about things that they are learning to do or that they have achieved is important

To help plan for a child effectively, it is essential to share what a child enjoys doing and what their interests are

Opportunities for information sharing

Daily when you drop off or pick up feel free to tell us anything. If you need longer to talk we can arrange a time

Special days Through the learning journeys Parent consultations twice a year

19

Reporting to Parents

Home Visits and Settling-In ReviewWe begin our partnership with parents by home visiting all the children before they start at Nursery. This is your chance to tell us about your child. After 6 weeks you will be offered the opportunity for a review of your child’s settling in.

Learning Journey We keep a record of what your child is learning in a special book that we call a ‘Learning Journey’. Each term you will have an opportunity to share your child’s Learning Journey with your key worker. In this book we put photos of your child, samples of their work and write observations about their learning. Your child’s key person will show you where your child’s Learning Journey is kept – please look at it and contribute whenever you choose. All children are given their Learning Journey to keep when they leave, as a record of their time with us.

Talking and Thinking Photo Books – these reflect groups of children’s interests and can be found around the classrooms – please have a look to see what exciting activities have been going on in nursery.

Parent/Staff Consultation Days are 3 times per year. You will be invited to discuss your child’s progress with your key person.

End Of Year Reports are given out to the children who are leaving, at the end of the summer term.

Our End of Year Celebration each July is for all families. The children who are leaving us take part in a Graduation Ceremony to mark the end of their time with us and the start of their new journey.

20

Learning at Home

Look out for our ‘WOW of the Week’ joint parent/child activities when you drop off your child. Join in the activity and take home a ‘How to Help Your Child at Home’ ideas leaflet

Each class has a selection of books you can borrow

Safeguarding Procedures

We are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of our children, and follow the child protection procedures in accordance with guidelines from Luton Safeguarding Children Board. Our policy is available from the office on request and on our website.

The designated people responsible for safeguarding are Emma Pobjoy, Debbie Wells and Maria Sage or Gill Davidson, Children’s Centre Hub Manager, in their absence.

In the interest of protecting children and staff:-

o Our centre is a mobile-free zone - if you are staying to settle a new child, please turn your phone off.

o Please do not ask a member of staff to join your social networking site (e.g. facebook)

o Luton Borough Council will not tolerate verbal or physical aggression towards staff. Staff are expected to be treated with respect

21

Health and Safety Guidelines

Please ensure emergency contact numbers are kept up to date. Please telephone us if your child is going to be absent. If your child is ill please keep them at home and call us to let us know the

problem. We are sorry, but parents of children booked in for care are still required to

pay fees if their children are ill. Please let us know of any medical conditions your child may have so that we can

give the best possible care. If your child uses an inhaler, please ask your doctor for a spare to be left in

school. We can only administer medicines prescribed by a doctor, with a pharmacy label

which includes the name of your child. Any child who has had sickness or diarrhoea must stay at home for at least 48

hours after the last bout. This is to help stop spreading the infection to other children and staff.

It is against the law to smoke anywhere within the school and its grounds. If your child wears earrings, please ensure they only wear sleepers or

studs in nursery.

Arriving and LeavingWhen taking your child to and from their class always close the gates behind you.Hold your child’s hand when leaving the building to make sure they do not run ahead and possibly out by the roadWhen leaving through the front door and front gate, please ensure another child is not following you unaccompanied.

AccidentsIf your child has a minor accident in school, you will be given a slip telling you what happened. Many of our staff are First Aid trained, and so are able to give basic treatment. If we are at all concerned, we will contact you immediately.

22

Emergency ContactsIt is very important to keep all contact numbers up to date. If you are unable to pick up your child from school during the day, you must arrange for someone to do this for you in an emergency. Please make a plan for your child’s care - before it happens.

Dogs - Sorry, even very friendly dogs are not allowed past the green gates.

Fire EvacuationThe children and staff take part in a Fire Evacuation practice at least once a term. If you are in the building at this time you will be shown where to go and what to do.

PhotographsWe often use photographs, audio or video tape of children in the Nursery to record their achievements and progress. Photos may also be used for training, promotional materials and on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Please read the photograph agreement form and sign to give your consent. When your child leaves the Nursery you will be given many of the photographs to keep in your child’s Learning Journey.

What does the Governing Body do? The Governing Body is responsible for monitoring and evaluating our

nursery’s performance. It is responsible for all aspects of the nursery’s administration including the

appointment of staff, the delivery of the curriculum, the management and control of the budget and the implementation of the Development Plan.

The Governors give advice and support to the Headteacher and the nursery staff.

The Governing Body is made up of representatives from teachers, support staff, parents, the Local Authority and the community.

If you want to tell us anything about your experience at the nursery please contact any of the staff or the parent governors.More information about the governors is displayed on the notice board in the corridor.

InspectionOur latest Education Inspection was in March 2014 and Childcare Inspection in February 2015. Please ask in the office if you would like a copy of our most recent Ofsted reports for Education, Childcare and Children’s Centre, which were very successful.

23

Complaints ProcedureThis document is available in school for inspection.A copy will be given on request to any person wishing to make a complaint under these arrangements. A copy of the information may be obtained in languages other than English if required.

School Travel PlanOur focus for the School Travel Plan is the safety of children as passengers in cars arriving and leaving school. We would like to remind parents to:

o Always use a car seat and seat belt even for short trips.o Always open the passenger door nearest the pavement when letting

children out.o Set a good example when you cross the road. Always find a safe

place to cross, then stop and look both ways.o Never leave a child unattended in a parked car – even for a minute,

even if they are asleep, even if it is snowing!o To encourage families to leave the car at home, we have a buggy

park at the front of the nursery and a scooter pod to safely park children’s scooters. Locks are available from the office

24

ParkingParking is often difficult along Pastures Way. If you live nearby it may be quicker (and certainly healthier) to walk. If you need to come by car, there are often spaces 5 minutes away by Lewsey Park, consider parking there and walking up. Do not park on any of the yellow lines or in front of the barrier. This is our only emergency exit and must be kept clear at all times. The police make regular checks along the front of the school and will prosecute drivers parked illegally.

Snow Policy Wherever possible we strive to remain open during severe weather conditions but on rare occasions we may have to close. Information will be put on our website and the Luton Borough Council website so please check in those circumstances.

25

Please Remember These Key Points:

26

If your child is ill call us on: (01582) 600691

Arrive and collect on time Keep contact numbers updated Name all clothes Dress your child in old, easy to

wash clothesready for messy play and outdoor play every day

Say goodbye before you go Ask for help if you have a problem Park your car legally Tell your children that nursery is

lots of fun!