We cater for children from 3 months to 4 years on term-time only or year-round contracts. Our sessions run 08.00–17.30 Monday–Friday. We are closed for two weeks at Christmas, and on public holidays. We also provide a holiday club for children in Reception year of school during Dorset state school holidays (excluding Christmas). THE BELOW SECTIONS TO BE ACCORDIONS
Caterpillars 3 months – 2 years
Our baby room is overseen by Nina. We work closely with you to understand your baby’s needs and to follow their home routine as much as possible to facilitate their transition into nursery care. Staff are always available at drop-off and pick-up for questions, and you are welcome to call the office in the day to check on your little one. Nina and the team work to ensure each child receives high-quality, nurturing care. Over the course of a child’s settling in period they will be carefully observed and their key worker allocated based upon how relationships are developing. We provide stimulating and fun activities for our youngest children, supporting the development of their senses through purposeful and exciting activities tailored to their developmental stage. Our babies have a dedicated, outside play area with plenty of shade and age-specific toys to enjoy.
Butterflies 2–3 years
Butterflies is run by Sarah, our Deputy Manager. Sarah and the team provide our exploring toddlers with a safe, secure but challenging environment. This enables them to start to independently exploring their surroundings with care and excitement. Activities and learning are planned through careful observations and taken from the children’s interests. Toddlers spend as much time as possible outdoors, and also enjoy early Forest School sessions when they are ready.
Preschool 3–4 years
Preschool builds upon the experiences of our younger rooms, but with the transition to school in mind, and activities are planned each day to consolidate the skills children will need when they leave us. Our oldest children’s routine reflects their needs and interests, and a stimulating and exciting curriculum is delivered. All of our children are encouraged to be independent learners, with a focus on developing and extending language and communication skills. Preschool enjoy regular Forest School sessions as well as plenty of time outdoors, taking full advantage of our playground and amazing grassy spaces.
Forest School
We are in the unique position of having a Level 3 Forest School Leader as part of our full-time team, and also extensive grounds that allow us to run exciting, engaging sessions for children as part of their regular nursery day.
Forest School is an inspirational process that offers children opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem. Through hands-on activities it allows children to follow interests and develop new skills.
Forest school…
is a long-term process, not a one off visit (sessions happen weekly)
takes place in a natural environment (we have extensive outdoor space with wild areas to explore)
provides holistic development (EXAMPLE)
offers opportunities for appropriate and safe risk-taking (EXAMPLE)
uses learner-centred techniques to create an optimal environment for development and learning (EXAMPLE)
is run by a qualified practitioner, who maintains and develops their practice with each session
Holiday Club
We currently offer holiday club for school-age children until they start Year 1. Holiday Club runs in Dorset State School holidays, excluding Christmas.
To find out more about holiday club, please us the contact us page. LINK TO THE PAGE HERE