Tadpoles & Caterpillars are our baby rooms from 3 months old. Babies engage in playful interactions by ensuring a calm relaxed, happy environment, where babies receive quality individual care. We respond quickly to babies needs and they are able to sleep whenever they need to in a warm, comfortable cot, rocker or pod, whichever is preferred. Mats, cushions and soft furnishings are included within the room.
Our curriculum for babies and young children is adopted using the Curiosity Approach, we encourage free choice, and support play with heuristic, sensory and messy resources and activities.
The Curiosity Approach - Instead of directing children, and telling them what to do, the curiosity approach is based on child-led learning. Therefore, children make their own choices, and figure things out for themselves which leads to enhanced confidence, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
Heuristic Play - As babies grow, they want to feel and ponder objects, to find out what can be done them. Toddlers have the urge to fill, dump, select, and manipulate in different ways. Household utensils offer this kind of activity. When toddlers make an enjoyable discovery or an interesting sound, they often repeat the action several times, which strengthens cognitive development as well as fine muscle control and hand/eye coordination.
Nappies are changed regularly, and the babies are fed individually and in keeping with their routine. All information about your child’s care, play and learning experiences at nursery, are recorded on the mobile Famly App. The Famly App is shared with parents at the end of the child’s day session.
If required we are able to liquefy prepared meals or parents can bring their own choice of baby meal, clearly labelled, which will be stored in a fridge. We discuss any cultural needs and expectations with parents prior to entry. Babies are fed in clean, safe, low level chairs and soon begin their first experience of eating with their friends. All children have an enjoyable dining experience, whilst being supported and encouraged to eat, either with help or feeding themselves.
The team of carers in both our baby rooms are experienced in working with babies and have been specifically chosen, because of their obvious genuine love of working with very young children. We value having the same staff on a regular rota as this provides stability and familiarity between parents and children. All staff who work with under 2’s are trained in ‘safe sleeping for babies’ with regards to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).