A guide for parents/carers 0– 5 years old 2014-2015 Pastures Way Nursery School Pastures Way Luton LU4 0PE Tel/Fax (01582) 600691 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.pastureswaynursery.com 1

Interim Headteacher: Julia Miller Chair of Governors: Mr Julius Kandekore Children and Learning Department Luton Borough Council Unity House 111 Stuart Street Luton LU1 5NP (01582) 546000 Governing Body Julius Kandekore (Chair)(Community Governor) John Heredia (LEA) Emma Pobjoy (Teaching Staff) Debbie Wells (Staff) Gerhard Swart (Parent Governor) Julia Miller (Interim Headteacher) Glynis Grey (Clerk)

2

Contents Page About our school 5 Admissions Criteria 6 Aims & Vision 4 Behaviour 17 Children’s Centre (Meadows) 24 Complaints Procedure 22 Curriculum 11 Daily Routine 3-5’s 15 Eco School Award 14 Food & Mealtimes 9 Forest Schools 13 Governing Body & What they do 2/22 Health & Safety 21 Healthy Eating 9 Inclusion 18 Key Points 25 Layout of School 15/16 Learning at Home 20 Ofsted Inspections 22 Outdoor Play 12 Parents’ Forum 25 Parking 24 Photographs 22 Reporting to Parents 19 Safeguarding 20 School Travel Plan 23 SEAL 17 Settling In 7 Snow Policy 23 Start/end of School Day &Timekeeping 8 Toileting & Changing Nappies 10 Treasure Baskets & Heuristic Play 14 Uniform 10 Who’s Who 2

3

Pastures Way Nursery School Vision Our vision at Pastures Way Nursery School is to have a setting that is:  Positive  Welcoming  Nurturing  Shares learning and thinking We believe children learn through play, first-hand experience and meaningful conversation. They make sense of the world through exploring and experimenting. We support children’s learning by stimulating their natural curiosity and encouraging independence.

Our 5,4,3,2,1 Framework This 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.

4

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: Nursery Education We offer 3 classes for children aged 3-5 years led by Qualified Teachers. 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 8.50am and end at 11.50 am.  Afternoon sessions begin at 12.35pm and end at 3.35pm.  We also offer education for some eligible 2 year olds (please ask in the office to find out if you are eligible.  Lunchtime is from 11.50am to 12.35pm.

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 3 – 5 year olds to ‘wrap around’ your Nursery Education place

5

When are we open?  Day care is available from 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday for 48 weeks a year.  Day care closes for 1 week over Christmas, 1 week at Easter, 2 weeks in August, for all bank holidays and for two whole school training days.  Nursery Education is offered in term time only. The staff names and photographs are on display outside the office and staff wear name tags. We often have students and volunteers working in Nursery, they will also have name badges. Please arrive promptly for your session to enable your child to get the most out of nursery.

Admissions for 3-5 year olds Children 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.

6

Helping your child to settle into nursery

 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.

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 who will be picking them 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.

In Nursery Class  Please collect your child’s name badge when you arrive.  If you arrive late please 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 and please remember to collect any letters that have been left for you. Please note: We never let children go with anyone we do not know without your permission. Children may only be collected by carers 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. If your child has extended care our policy is to charge for late collection at the end of the day at a rate of £1 per minute in order to pay the extra staff needed. Many staff are parents too, so please do be considerate. 8

Food and Mealtimes Babies 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 Meals We have a kitchen on site and offer a variety of healthy food at snack time and mealtimes. We have received the Bedfordshire Healthy Eating Award for the past 8 years. Our lovely school meals are made in our own kitchen and wherever possible we use local produce. The menus for breakfast, lunch and tea are displayed outside the classrooms. Please note:  Lunch may be purchased for babies and toddlers  You may purchase lunch for 3 - 5 year olds subject to availability. If you choose this option, please note we require a half term’s notice if you wish to cancel.  Sorry, no packed lunches  Healthy snacks are provided for all children at no cost  Children’s birthdays are celebrated in the classroom with their friends. In line with our Healthy Eating Award, we ask that you do not send in cakes or sweet treats  If children participate in a cooking activity, the food is usually shared between the children at the snack table. 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 keyworker for further information.

9

Toileting and Changing Nappies Babies and children 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 from their letter pocket in their classroom.  ‘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.

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. 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 done 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 Clothing All 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 Two of our staff are trained Forest School Leaders, 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

Eco School Award We have the Eco School Green Flag Award. Children in nursery help us look after the environment by energy saving, litter picking, re-cycling, composting, growing fruit & vegetables and looking after garden wildlife.

Treasure Baskets & Heuristic Play - For Babies and Toddlers Treasure Baskets Babies 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 Play Heuristic 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.

14

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 – 11.30am / 1.20 – 3.15pm are session times for the children to explore the activities available inside and outdoors.  11.30am & 3.15pm is Talking Time back in children’s base rooms. Please do not drop off or collect your child during Story Time or Talking Time as it disturbs the group. Thank you.

Nursery Class Teaching and Learning Areas The Studio Painting, Sand, Water, Clay, Dough, Art Workshop

The Discovery Centre Writing Table, Maths Activities, Science and Investigation Area, Home Corner and Sensory Room (with bubble tube and fibre optics)

15

The Imagination Room Imaginative Play: Small World Play, Role Play Area, Construction, Music, Instruments & Dancing

Snack and Cooking Room Snacks (including fruit / milk / water) are available for children to independently access throughout the session. Cooking activities are available several times a week.

16

Our SEAL Curriculum SEAL stands for Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning. Social, emotional and behavioural skills underpin almost every aspect of school, home and community life. Children who have good skills in these areas will be motivated to learn and be able to play co-operatively. We focus on one theme each half term:  New beginnings  Getting on and falling out  Going for Goals!  Good to be Me  Relationships  Changes

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 try to ‘catch them being good’. We use positive language, describing what we want them to do, labelling good behaviour and praising children who are helpful, trying hard, 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 & 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, and 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 Education Through 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 Language We 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 languages o Speak to your child in your home language o Play games, sing songs and tell stories in your home language.

18

Reporting to Parents Home Visits and Settling-In Review We 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 worker 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 twice a year. You will be invited to discuss your child’s progress with your keyworker. End Of Year Reports are given out 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.

19

Learning at Home

There are lots of ways to help your child learn at home.  Look out for our WOW Wednesday 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  Borrow a book from our library. Our books are changed regularly to give a wide selection.  Borrow a Story Sack. These sacks contain a book, a tape, toys to do with the story and some suggestions for activities and games.  Borrow a Maths Pack with games to play with your child which will support Mathematical development.  Join the Toy Library – for a small charge you can borrow a range of different toys to take home and use with your child.

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. The designated people responsible for safeguarding are Julia Miller, Emma Pobjoy and Maria Sage or Gill Davidson, Children’s Centre Hub Manager, in their absence. In the interest of protecting your children:o Our centre is a mobile-free zone - if you are staying to settle a new child, please turn your phone off. o Taking photographs in nursery is not allowed unless agreed with a member of staff. o Please do not ask a member of staff to join your social networking site (e.g. facebook) 20

Health and Safety Guidelines  Please leave 2 numbers in the office which we can call in an emergency.  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.

Accidents If your child has a minor accident in school, you will be given a small 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. Emergency Contacts It 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 Evacuation The 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. 21

Photographs We 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 or promotional materials. 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.

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

Complaints Procedure This 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

22

School Travel Plan Our 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

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.

23

Parking Parking 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.

Meadows Children’s Centre

Pastures Way Nursery School is the lead agency and hub for Meadows Children’s Centre which covers the Lewsey Area. Gill Davidson is the Hub Manager and works with a team of family workers who can offer support, advice and guidance to families. Please don’t hesitate to talk to one of the team if you need help. Meadows Children’s Centre offers a variety of activities across Lewsey. Pick up a leaflet about all the activities at the different sites. There are lots of things going on for you and your children to join in. Check the notice board outside the entrance or pick up a programme for information. Activities include:  Stay & Play sessions and a Baby Group  Sewing Groups  Baby Massage/Baby Yoga  English Conversation classes  Family Learning Sessions where you can study for a qualification.  Return to work and study advice together with help with CV writing and interview skills.  Saturday Family Fun sessions  We are stockists of ‘Healthy Start’ vitamins. 24

Please Remember These Key Points:  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 clothes ready 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!

Friends of Pastures Way Friends of Pastures Way is our parents’ forum for parents and carers who use our Nursery School to voice their opinions. They meet alternate weeks to discuss various issues and really do help us to shape our service to meet the needs of the local community. We would welcome your help.

25