COVID-19 Update
COVID-19
Coronavirus Update 6th Jan 2021
We are continuing to remain open throughout what can only be described as a life changing time for everyone. We are open to all families, and are welcoming new children.
Our priority is to continue to ensure everyone’s safety, yet at the same time, ensure that the wellbeing of our children is not compromised.
We have been determined to remain open throughout the pandemic, and are thankful that this has been achieved, especially considering that the number of children and staff have increased steadily in the past few months. We will continue to change our practices in accordance with new developments regarding the virus to ensure that we can support as many families as possible.
Our staff and parents have been extremely supportive to ensure that nursery life continues safely, with as little disruption as possible. Our parents and carers have given our nursery/staff amazing feedback regarding how their children have continued to enjoy coming to nursery – this not only has enabled our families to navigate their work and family responsibilities at such a critical time, but has contributed to giving our children some consistency, which is crucial when the world around them has changed so much.
Resources
Resources
For all children, we offer both natural and man-made resources that provide children with different experiences in relation to sights, textures, smells, and sounds.
We also have a vast array of quality equipment that supports and extends the children’s interests, as well as promoting all skills within the various learning areas of the EYFS.
Role play equipment encourages children to play with their peers whilst developing their understanding of the world around them, using their experiences, both old and new.
These include; places of interest, various shops and professions e.g. builders, dentist, travel agents and hospitals.
Making Marks/Early Writing
Babies, toddlers and pre-school children experience making marks in many ways, both indoors and outdoors. The children use materials such as sand, corn flour, shaving foam, jelly, chalks, play dough, clay, water bottles, sugared water as well as the more obvious materials such as various paints, chalks, pencils and pens and various ICT equipment.
Staff also provide an Early Literacy Programme – ‘Squiggle whilst you wiggle’ to encourage early writing skills through movement in addition to ‘Dough Disco’, created by Shonette Bason-Woods.
Visitors & outings
Visitors & outings
Visitors
We invite many professionals and interesting people (including parents, carers and family friends) into nursery to enhance the children’s learning. Examples include: road safety advisors, nurses, zoolab, singers, story-tellers, police and the fire service.
“Staff provide exceptionally rich and varied opportunities for children to develop an understanding of the community in which they live. Exciting activities are planned where children make full use of the local amenities.”
Ofsted Inspector, Aug ’16
Outings
We are fortunate to be located in such a central place, enabling us to benefit from the facilities on offer to Hebburn Town Centre and we are also adjacent to Hebburn Metro.
We take full advantage of our central position. Our children’s experiences are further enhanced by exploring the community in which we are a part of – the children visit our local shops to buy items of relevance to them.
They also visit the library, park, marina, etc. and go on the Metro to the beach, Marine Park, or to see Santa in Newcastle. We have a strict outings procedure which is followed each time the children leave the nursery.
Mini Bus
We are very fortunate to have our own brand new mini bus, which gives us further opportunities to access places that are not on public transport routes in our community.
Parental involvement
Parental involvement
We firmly believe that a child’s parents and regular carers are a child’s most important educators.
We aim to work in close partnership with parents and carers throughout their time at the nursery. Parents and carers are also encouraged to contribute to the evidence collected at nursery in relation to their children’s progress in all areas of development using our online journal system. Staff will then use this information to plan activities that will further develop skills.
Information shared between Abacus and parents/carers
From before your child starts their journey at our nursery until after they have left us, there will be a continuous exchange of information that will enable everyone to best meet the needs of your child.
This involves a combination of daily charts, online journal, progress meetings, written reports, sharing of child observations and their summary of development.
There are also opportunities to watch your child take part in celebration of learning events and individual/group/family activites.
Online learning journal
Each child’s key carer completes an online learning journal that documents their individual progress. Parents and carers are encouraged to upload the experiences that children have at home, strengthening the partnership between home and nursery.
Health & safety
Health & safety
The safety and well-being of our children is our absolute priority in everything that we do. We have comprehensive procedures and facilities to ensure that all children and adults are safe and healthy.
How we keep our
children and staff safe
- The management and staff have various safety qualifications ranging from how to safely recruit staff and check their suitability to how to maintain and promote a safe environment and working practices
- Comprehensive training for all adults covering a range of policies and procedures ensuring that each child is kept safe and secure at all times
Policies include; Drop off and Pick Up, Medication, Unwell Children, Sun Policy, Child Protection, First Aid, Outdoor Play, Allergies and Intolerances, Outings, Comprehensive Health and Safety Policies (including risk assessments and cleaning routines), Equipment Policy, Lockdown and Evacuation - Recordable 24 hour CCTV both indoor and outdoor
- Electronic door entry system (which must be opened by a member of staff)
- No radiators or pipes (central heating in the ceilings – individually controlled in each area)
- Enclosed play areas and garden secured by 7ft lockable metal gates
- Safety flooring throughout all play rooms
- Air conditioning
- Finger guards on all doors
Promoting safe
and healthy practices
Throughout the day, all adults and children will promote safe and healthy practices within our nursery that are age appropriate. For the adults, this involves complying with all policies and practices (some of which are listed above), but also demonstrating and encouraging the children to know how they can keep themselves safe. This includes:
- Ensuring that the children know that they must be account for (following our procedures, such as lining up to be counted before going out and returning to the play room)
- Teaching and helping the children to keep the room tidy – sweeping up sand and mopping up water around the water areas
- Teaching the children how to recognise dangers and help them work out solutions to manage these dangers, such as how to use tools or how to cross the road
- Wearing of aprons for specific tasks (eating and messy activities)
- Constant supply of paper towels, tissues, sanitiser, soaps etc
that the children are encouraged to use - Regular exercise and outdoor play, including going on outings that promote exercise
- Having visitors come into the nursery such as police, fire and road safety professionals etc
- Constant hand washing and cleaning surfaces
- Visiting places that promote health and safety such as the dentist, fire station, various shops etc
- The children help plant, grow, harvest, cook and prepare their own food for eating
Testimonials
We’re proud of what we do at Abacus, but don’t just take our word for it, read what some of our parents think;
Food and nutrition
Food & nutrition
We have been awarded an updated ‘Eat Better, Do Better’ award from the Children’s Food Trust, which involved us incorporating comprehensive criteria into our menu.
We have two cooks, who between them, cover a full day, five days per week. They cook/prepare breakfast, lunch and tea and morning and afternoon snacks. We provide all weaning foods for our babies and also provide a unique, individual menu for children who have allergies or intolerances.
We have a very diverse menu that gives our children the opportunity to try lots of healthy food from a variety of cultures. We also have a 16 day menu, which ensures that children who only attend a minimum amount of sessions receive a vast array of foods.
We very much value the importance of purchasing the highest quality ingredients that are sourced from our community wherever possible. This includes: –
- Use local farms for meat, such as chicken, lamb, beef and pork
- Source local salmon and cod from local wholesaler
- Cook sauces from ‘scratch’
- Use reputable suppliers such as Asda & Batleys for groceries
- Use fresh food and not substitutes
- Use Quorn on a weekly basis
Our staff also eat with our children, encouraging them to eat all of their food, whilst also modelling and encouraging good manners and social skills while at the table. Our older children sometimes make their own tea – this teaches them a multitude of important skills, and is something that they really enjoy.
Ages
Ages
Key Carers
All children
Each baby/child who attends nursery will be allocated a key carer – a member of staff in their room who is responsible for their key children’s overall well-being and development and sharing any relevant information with the child’s parents, carers or professionals.
Key carers are responsible for ensuring that there is a strong, respectful partnership between all those involved with every child and that they form caring and supportive attachments to their key children. In addition to this, we also operate a ‘buddy system’; every child is also assigned a ‘buddy’, who is their second key carer, who will assume the role of the key carer. Key carers also complete/contribute to all paperwork for their children, including online learning journals, progress reports, transition documents and also attend meetings with parents/carers/professionals.
In addition to having an ‘open door policy’, parents and carers are regularly invited into nursery to discuss their child’s progress with their ‘key carer’.
Bunnykins
Aged 0 - 16 months
Our baby room staff have been specifically chosen for their experience, knowledge and sensitivity in their approach to caring for our babies. One of our senior nursery nurses has worked at Abacus for over 10 years, with an additional full time staff member working with her for over 12 years.
The individual routines of each baby are maintained, and staff provide appropriate care and experiences to meet their needs and aid their development. The staff/child ratio is 1 member of staff with no more than 3 babies, with each baby having a ‘key carer’ and buddy who is available to assist the baby room staff during feeding times etc.
Key carers are responsible for ensuring that your baby‘s daily diary is completed, which gives you written information about your child’s day, enabling you to share in their experiences. Staff will also encourage the sharing of relevant information about your baby with any carer(s) that drop off/collect your baby from nursery.
Daily activities
Our babies engage in many ‘hands on’ experiences using a wide range of toys, equipment, environments and materials. These include exploring both man-made and natural materials, various sound and light equipment and playing with materials with different textures (water, sand, gloop etc.).
Staff interact with our babies as much as possible whilst they explore their surroundings. Babies also learn about ‘cause and effect’ from an early age. Our babies are also encouraged to enjoy/partake in singing, story-telling and communication in many different forms.
Outings
We have a varied selection of buggies and a ‘play-bus’ which allows us to take our younger children and babies out into the local community. We have a strict outings procedure which is followed each time the children leave the nursery.
Food & nutrition
Parents provide formula milk powder/breast milk for our babies until they can drink cow’s milk. We are able to reimburse parents for most types of formula milk.
The food and drink intake of each baby is carefully monitored. When babies are ready to wean, we work with parents and carers to ensure that both the babies’ and families’ needs are met.
Sensory room
Our babies enjoy the vast amount of equipment in this room, which develops all of their senses. They enjoy a variety of lights, sounds, textures and smells through both adult-led activities and their own explorations.
Indoor play
We have an indoor soft play area in which our babies can access every day to provide them with the opportunity to climb, crawl, walk, slide, throw, roll, rock etc., whilst at the same time developing their social skills.
Outdoor play
We have two private enclosed play spaces, including a garden where the babies play on the grass, which also has a large wooden pergola providing shade.
Tweenies
Aged 16 - 24 months (approx)
It is at this age that the development of both spoken language and the child’s understanding of language becomes more apparent. Staff in the Tweenies‘ room focus on this area of development, encouraging children to communicate their needs and understanding as they try to make sense of the world around them.
The staff/child ratio in our Tweenies’ room is 1 member of staff with no more than 3 babies, with each Tweenie having a ‘key carer’.
Our Tweenies’ room staff are experienced in ensuring that the environment provided for our older babies encourages their independence, enabling them to choose the activities that they would like to engage in. Older babies begin to copy what they have seen around them – we provide a variety of ‘role’ play equipment so that they can make tea, feed and look after their babies etc. This gives them the opportunity to re-enact their past experiences.
Daily activities
Our Tweenies continue to develop their exploration skills, playing with a variety of man-made and natural materials. They become effective in constructing with various building materials, and enjoy a variety of messy activities, such as gluing, sticking, painting with a variety of tools and materials, cooking, and playing with materials of different textures.
As the children’s social skills, language and concentration develop, they are able to more effectively take part in group activities, such as story time, singing time and ring games. Staff encourage their growing confidence to partake in such activities, and praise their efforts, strengthening the relationships between our children and their staff.
Outings
We have a varied selection of buggies and a ‘play-bus’ which allows us to take our older babies out into the local community. We have a strict outings procedure which is followed each time the children leave the nursery.
Sensory room
Our Tweenies enjoy the vast amount of equipment in this room, which develops all of their senses. They enjoy a variety of lights, sounds, textures and smells through both adult-led activities and their own explorations.
Indoor & outdoor play
We have two private enclosed play spaces, including a garden where the Tweenies can play on the grass, which also has a large wooden pergola providing shade.
We have an indoor soft play area in which our older babies can access every day to provide them with the opportunity to climb, crawl, walk, build, jump, throw, slide, roll, etc., whilst at the same time, developing their social skills.
Tiny Tots
Aged 24 - 30 months (approx)
As well as encouraging learning in all areas of development, it is an important aim of the Tots’ room to encourage the child’s independence and social development through the activities and experiences provided.
As well as promoting each child’s individual learning, the children are encouraged to take part in small group activities, learning to share and socialise with other children and staff. As well as having many opportunities for the children to experience child initiated play, the children will begin to experience more adult initiated/structured play and activities. Both types of play are supervised.
The Tots take part in activities including art and craft sessions (gluing, play dough, sticking, painting etc.), cooking, mark making, construction, sounds and music, role-play, exploratory activities (including sand and water), story time/sharing books, singing, physical activities (both indoors and outdoors), games etc. The children also take part in ‘Tumble Tots’ and various other action songs/games.
Activities
The Tots are very fortunate to have continuous access to the outside during their day due to having French doors leading directly from their room to the outside play area.
These doors are opened at set times during which the children can choose to move between the indoors and the outdoors. They have access to two private enclosed play spaces, including a garden where the Tots can take part in activities such as growing plants and vegetables or exploring activities on the grass, which also has a large wooden pergola providing shade.
Whilst outdoors, the children can play on the climbing frame or with various equipment such as; bikes, parachute, balls, coits, beanbags, hoops, skittles, bats, prams, sand and water.
Staffing
The staff/child ratio in our Tots’ room is 1 member of staff with no more than 4 children, with each Tot having a ‘key carer’. The nursery also rotas in at least one additional staff member per day (not the Manager) who is available to assist the Tots’ room staff when necessary.
The children are encouraged to develop their self-esteem and confidence. We encourage the children to share their news at circle time, or they may be asked to contribute to regular activities/discussions. This helps them feel part of a group and gives them the confidence to express their ideas and thoughts.
The children are also encouraged to develop their self-help skills from an early age, e.g. putting on their coats and aprons. This also includes the promotion of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before eating and brushing their teeth after lunch etc.
Toilet training
When children are ready to begin toilet training, or have already begun to toilet train, we work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that consistency is maintained, both at home and at nursery. This is seen as most important for toilet training to be successful.
Due to the Tots having their own bathroom in their playroom, they can access potties and toilets at all times, which encourages successful toilet training. Children who are not yet toilet training are also encouraged by the success of their friends.
Outings
As well as visiting the shops, library, park etc., the Tots also incorporate additional visits depending on the children’s interests, e.g. farm, Metro rides and the Marine Park. We have a strict outings procedure which is followed each time the children leave the nursery.
Tinkers
Aged 30 - 40 months (approx)
Staff in the Tinkers build on the independence and social skills that the children have begun to develop in order to prepare the Tinkers for our pre-school room – the Rascals.
The staff/child ratio in our Tinkers’ room is 1 member of staff with no more than 4 children for 2 year olds, and 1 member of staff with no more than 8 children for 3 year olds, with each Tinker having a ‘key carer’. The nursery also rotas in at least one additional staff member per day (not the Manager) who is available to assist the Tinkers’ room staff when necessary.
Daily activities
Very much like the pre-school room, the Tinkers have set times whereby they follow a routine that promotes both small and larger group activities. For short periods of the day, the children begin to work and play in set groups with their key member of staff (key carer) who will be able to closely monitor their interactions and development in all key areas of the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’. The children will still have an adequate amount of time where they can choose where and with whom they would like to play.
ICT
The Tinkers’ room also houses our ‘Smart’ board, in addition to a computer, which gives our children the opportunity to learn ICT skills, preparing them for school and our increasing ICT world in which we live.
Communication & thinking
At this age, children’s language develops rapidly, enabling them to communicate more easily. Staff will also encourage children to talk about what they are thinking, helping them to problem solve, share with their friends etc. As a result, children’s social and play skills develop, as well as their learning in all areas of the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’.
Indoor & outdoor play
Very much like the Tots’ room, the Tinkers are very fortunate to have continuous access to the outside during a lot of their day. The Tinker’s doors are opened at set times during which the children can choose to move between the indoors and the outdoors.
Whilst outdoors, the children can play on the climbing frame or with various equipment such as; bikes, parachute, balls, coits, beanbags, hoops, skittles, bats, prams, sand, water etc. They can also make marks, dress up, build with larger equipment, or find a den and look at books/chat to their friends.
Environment
The Tinkers’ room has its own integral bathroom and cloakroom. They have a very large, spacious room that is clearly divided into separate learning areas that are well resourced, labelled and easily accessible for the children. This encourages them to be independent, selecting their own equipment and then being able to return them during tidy up time.
Visitors and outings
Our Tinkers go on relevant outings as often as possible. For children of this age range, we also bring in relevant outside agencies/visitors to enhance any interests that they may have, developing further their skills. We have a strict outings procedure which is followed each time the children leave the nursery.
Rascals
Aged 40 - 60 months (approx)
The Rascals is our pre-school room, which is where most of our children stay with us, prior to starting school. The Rascals’ room staff recognise the importance of preparing the children for this next step in their lives. An inspirational, happy, safe and warm environment is provided to ensure that our children can continue to make progress in all areas of development within the EYFS.
One of the main priorities in working with children of this age is to encourage independence, confidence and a curiosity about their environment which helps them to make decisions for themselves. Sharing and working in partnership with others is also widely promoted to encourage positive relationships amongst peers.
The staff/child ratio in our Rascals’ room is 1 member of staff with no more than 8 children, with each Rascal having a ‘key carer’. The nursery also rotas in at least one additional staff member per day (not the Manager or Deputy) who is available to assist the Rascals‘ room staff when necessary.
Daily routine
Our pre-school children have a varied, yet structured day to assist in preparing them for school. The day is carefully broken up into a balance of child-led and adult-led activities (all supervised). Small group time is carried out daily, mainly by the children’s key member of staff who uses this time to get to know their individual children’s needs through careful observations and recording.
The children and staff also participate in ‘circle time’ as well as ‘large group time’ at specific times throughout the day. During this time, the children will gain confidence and be able to share their news, sing, play instruments and both tell and listen to stories and rhymes.
The children are encouraged to develop their self-help skills from an early age which gives them a good start for school, e.g. putting on their coats, aprons, collecting their own cups and cutlery for tea and dinner and tidying up. Independent hygiene practices are also promoted, such as the children having to wash their hands before eating, brushing their teeth after lunch etc.
Environment
Children learn and thrive in a stimulating environment that offers accessible and age-appropriate resources and activities. The children are offered the choice and opportunity to explore all areas of the room, including the home corner, construction area, quiet corner, writing area, investigation area, messy area and sand and water trays. They take part in cooking, planting, various messy activities, indoor and outdoor physical activities and role-play etc. They learn about being healthy in relation to food, germs and exercise.
The children also spend time outdoors, both during the morning and afternoon sessions. During this time, all areas of development within the EYFS are promoted through various adult-led activities. The outdoors is also resourced to cover the children’s interests.
Celebrating achievements
The children’s achievements are celebrated in many ways. Colourful wall displays can be seen in the Rascals’ room and around the nursery. Parents are also sent photographs, videos and information showing the children’s experiences and learning.
Visitors & outings
The children meet various people of interest in the community and also visit places that are fun and can help them learn about the world in which they live. We have a strict outings procedure which is followed each time the children leave the nursery.
Finally, children of this age are able to tell us exactly what makes their nursery fun and exciting and we listen to them very carefully.