Welcome to Mini Stars Childcare An exciting & creative way for your child to learn and play Experience the most natural of environments where your child’s skills are developed, their experiences are widened and their individuality valued. We are a childcare provision which is not just a place for your child to be during the day, but a place where your child will be safe, cared for, and will be completely prepared for the move onto big school.

UK Centre for Carnival Arts, St. Mary’s Road, Luton LU1 3JA Tel: 01582 437 121 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ministars-childcare.co.uk

THE MINI STARS CHILDCARE ETHOS Each child's day is carefully planned to enrich their interest in the many areas of the curriculum; encouraging enjoyment whilst learning through play. We aim to care for children in a manner that is relaxed, friendly, stimulating, inspiring and challenging. Our mission is to provide the children with the confidence to grow and learn at their own pace and in an environment that is safe and secure. Children are treated with respect as individuals. Our service and delivery are developed and designed around their changing needs. Racial and cultural diversity are recognised and respected. Mini Stars Childcare employ highly qualified, committed, experienced and enthusiastic staff who have created a stimulating environment where your child’s first experiences of nursery school is an exciting place to be. This exciting place offers a variety of experiences which allows the children to develop their own interests and a love of learning through play. Mini Stars Childcare is an environment where all children and their families are listened to, valued and respected. By working in partnership with parents, community and external agencies, we aim to meet and exceed all of the goals set out in the government standards for childcare and the Early Years Foundation Stage. As we are equipped with high quality resources and equipment we are able to offer a variety of interactive educational experiences based on each individual child's stage of development, with an emphasis on learning through play, challenge and discovery. We believe that being committed to positive relationships with the families of our children ensures the continuity of your child’s development. Your views and experiences of your child are essential to the service that we provide.

CHILDCARE AT MINI STARS Mini Stars Childcare is a private childcare provision accommodating 33 children aged 6 months to 5 years, with a focus on learning through play and utilizing the many experiences gained from the wonderful outdoors. We strive to ensure that your child will learn, develop and be challenged in natural and diverse ways. Mini Stars Childcare is housed within a newly built, vibrant and natural learning space, where our highly qualified professional staff will provide support, comfort and quality cared for children in their most formative years. Mini Stars work in partnership with the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, by mirroring their curriculum activities which includes Music, Visual Arts, Theatre, Multimedia, Dance, Literature, and the Creative Arts amongst other disciplines. We provide children with planned opportunities to work with the artists, musicians, dancers and other creative professionals who will encourage them to develop confidence in their own creativity and to learn in new ways. These practitioners, by acting as role models, work with the children to develop their communication skills to be able to express themselves, be evaluative and be able to comment on their learning. The children at Mini Stars will develop an idea of self and a love of learning by interacting with differing professionals and experiences. Imbedded in our activities is to allow children the time to explore and experiment by playing with high quality resources and equipment. Through consistent supervision and interaction with the children we ensure that they feel secure enough to try new ways of exploring and by using all of their senses to learn. Children’s creativity develops most productively within a rich learning environment supported by sensitive and responsive adults. An environment that lets them imitate what they see, experiment with ideas and, more importantly, contribute their own ideas, is an environment where they will flourish.

Children need to spend some time with adults who are themselves creative. They will learn effectively when they encounter experiences and resources that stimulate their curiosity. At Mini Stars we provide opportunities for challenge and not only promote age related activities but also stage related ones too. Healthy bodies are also an important part of our mission; our children will eat wholesome healthy foods freshly prepared on-site each day. The children are provided with breakfast, a mid morning snack, hot lunch with pudding and also a light tea. The nursery fully supports and encourages the Government recommendation of an intake of at least five portions of fruit or vegetables per child per day. For example, we make available fresh fruit each day, which is displayed at child level in a bowl, where our children can help themselves throughout the day; water is also available.

THE NURSERY ENVIRONMENT Mini Stars Childcare is housed in the dynamic UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA), which is the first centre of its kind dedicated to the professional development of carnival artists in the UK. Carnival Arts develops highly skilled art forms across music, movement and costume which has been brought together by UKCCA to inform and inspire their courses, workshops, seminars, outreach, exhibitions, showcases, galas etc. Our nursery was completed in July 2009 and has environmental sustainability, which was achieved by incorporating hi-tech materials and designs into external and internal fabric of the building design. We aim to have as much outside play as possible because we believe physical exercise and fresh air is an important part of a healthy life style, this is also the foundation to our healthy eating policy. The varied activities on offer will provide every opportunity to extend and build on physical, intellectual, linguistic, emotional and social skills, enabling the children in our care to reach their full potential. The indoor environment offers a wonderful feeling of space with lots of natural light pouring through the many windows. There is a vast amount of natural wood, which is the main feature of the internal space, creating a lovely calming environment. Our outdoor space is second to none and allows us to run outdoor activities which contribute to children’s health, physical development and knowledge of the world around them. We operate a ‘free-flow’ environment where all our rooms have access to an outside play area, all of which have electronic awnings thereby giving us access for usage during all weathers.

A PLAY BASED CURRICULUM • A Unique Child At Mini Stars Childcare we focus on how children develop; we recognise they are all different, but should be treated equally. Positive relationships and good communication are vital. Children need to learn about risks and safety, how to make good choices and how to stick to boundaries. We make every attempt to provide full opportunity for each child to do their best and we achieve this by ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met during their time at our nursery setting. • Positive Relationships The aim is about children learning to manage their feelings and build relationships. We respect all types of families and aim to develop a positive two-way relationship with parents. We will support, listen and work with the children at Mini Stars Childcare to help them learn. We have a nominated key carer for each child at Mini Stars Childcare to ensure each child has the opportunity of building a close relationship and is well monitored during their time with us. • Enabling Environments We plan and check on each child’s progress and make every attempt to involve parents and the local community. We ensure that inside and outside spaces of the nursery are safe, interesting and engaging. Our carers support children when they move on, working as a team to help children succeed.

• Learning and Development Mini Stars Childcare focuses on ensuring young children learn through play and exploration, with support for each individual. We encourage children to develop their imagination, to get actively involved in learning and to make decisions. We make every attempt to develop children’s creative and critical thinking, balancing the need for both the children and adults to lead the learning. We follow the specific goals as set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile to help us all work within the framework: • • • • • • •

Personal, Social and Emotional Development, helping to build confidence, concentration, independence and respect. Communication, Language and Literacy, developing speaking and listening skills and beginning to read and write. Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy, focusing on number work, mathematical ideas and thinking. Knowledge and Understanding of the World, helping children investigate and think about their place in the world. Physical Development, relating to developing physical skills and understanding. Creative Development, based on building children’s imagination. Welfare, ensuring we are all aware of our responsibility for children’s welfare. We will look after your child properly and help them to stay healthy. We also ensure Mini Stars Childcare is a safe and positive place for children.

COME & PLAY A TYPICAL DAY 8.00am WELCOME

Nursery set up ready for children. Breakfast is available (toast & cereal)

9.00am FREE PLAY

Wide range of activities suited to the age and stage of children’s needs, all supervised by an adult to encourage language, confidence and independence such as art, construction, puzzles etc

9.30am The children have registration collecting their name REGISTRATION/GROUPS cards and splitting into groups. 10.15 SNACK TIME 10.45am ACTIVITIES INDOOR & OUTDOOR 11.45am CIRCLE TIME 12.00am LUNCHTIME

A snack table is set up and children are encouraged to serve themselves a drink and fruits of their choosing. Activities in nursery available for stimulation and adult interaction. (Short outings may take place) A chance for the children to sit in a group and sing a wide range of songs Time for socialising, family style, where all the children join together.

12.45pm QUIET TIME/NAP TIME

Younger children take their nap, older children have time to take part in quiet desk top activities indoor or outdoor.

2.00pm BATHROOM/FREE PLAY 2.30pm AFTERNOON REGISTRATION 3.45pm TEA TIME

Toddlers and preschoolers brush their teeth and activities of their choice available indoor and outdoors Refreshments, games, stories, songs etc. Light snack, such as sandwiches, cheese and crackers

etc with water 4.15pm ACTIVITIES INDOOR & OUTDOOR

Activities in nursery available for stimulation and adult interaction.

5:00pm FREE PLAY/WINDING DOWN TIME 6:00pm GOODBYE

Calm environment, group and table top activities, stories etc Staff clear up and tidy nursery.

Pricing & terms Mini Stars Childcare is open 50 weeks per year, Monday to Friday, excluding all bank and statutory holidays, between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm. The nursery will be closed for two weeks; one week for Christmas and one week during the month of August.

Registration Fee: Your child’s name will be entered on the waiting list when a completed registration form and registration fee of £20 (non-refundable) is paid. Deposit: A deposit equal to two weeks fee must be enclosed with the enrolment form to guarantee a space for your child. The deposit will be offset against the final fees at the time of leaving. However, should you cancel your child’s place before the agreed start date then this deposit will NOT be refunded. Payment of Fees: Fees are charged at the rates indicated below and are payable strictly in advance on the first of each month by standing order or cheque accompanied by a cheque guarantee card. A standing order mandate will be sent to you once you have registered your child with us. Please ensure that fees are paid by the due date, as you will be invoiced if we do not receive payment on time. Late payment of fees will incur a surcharge of £20.00 if not received by the 3rd day after the fee is due. Admissions may be refused in the case of arrears. Booking Sessions

Requirement

Full Week

No. Days 5 Days

Times

8.00am –

Fees Per Month 6mth-2yrs £854.16

2-5yrs £802.08

6.00pm Full Days

4 Days 3 Days 2 Days

Part Time Mornings Part Time Afternoons

5 Days 5 Days

8.00am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 1.00pm 1.30pm – 6.00pm

£683.33

£641.66

£512.50

£481.25

£341.66

£320.83

Only full days available £401.04 Only full days available £401.04

Please note: Children may arrive between 8:00am – 10:00am Children may be collected between 12:30am – 1:00pm latest for the morning sessions and 4:30pm and 6:00pm latest for afternoon and full day sessions. Children attending the afternoon sessions must not arrive before 1:30pm. Absence: If your child is absent from the nursery due to family holidays, sickness or any other reason, full payment is still required and no refunds can be given. Fees are due in advance and for the duration of any holidays. Late collection will automatically incur additional charges of £5.00 for every 15 minutes after the due time. Leaving Notice or Reduction of Sessions: One month’s notice is required in writing should you decide to leave the nursery for any reason. You will be required to do the same should you decide to reduce the number of days/sessions you child attends. Annual Fee/Review: There will be an annual review of fees in January and you will be notified of any changes, if applicable, which will take effect two months in advance. It is understood that on completion of an enrolment form, you are therefore in agreement with the terms and conditions and must abide by them as outlined in this prospectus. This forms the nursery/parent agreement.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES You will be issued with our Parents Handbook; everyone who uses our provision must abide by the policies that are in force. Staff, parents, children and visitors all have a role to play in helping to maintain a safe nursery environment and our policies have been drawn up to help protect everyone. Policies are reviewed regularly and amendments issued as necessary

Equal Opportunities Statement Mini Stars Childcare understands as a child care provider that no group of children or individual should be treated unfairly or subjected to any harassment on any grounds i.e. of colour, ethnic origin, religion, sex or any other reason. We expect all staff in the provision to have regard for equal opportunities for all children and individuals, be free of racial or sexual stereotyping and to ensure that all children and individuals are offered the full range of opportunities and experiences. Health & Safety We ensure that all steps are taken to promote safety within the nursery and on outings, thus ensuring the necessary precautions are taken to prevent accidents. To promote the good health of children, positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infections and appropriate measures when they are ill.

An annual risk assessment is carried out by the Health and Safety Officer and the findings and recommendations are stored in the Health and Safety file. Safeguarding At Mini Stars Childcare, we intend to create an environment in which children are safe and have a sense of well being at all times. We have a duty to the children, parents/main careers and staff to act quickly and responsibly in any instance that may come to our attention. The provision has a duty to report any suspicions around abuse to the Local Authority. The Children Act 1989 (Section 47 (1) places a duty on the Local Authority to investigate such matters. The nursery will follow the procedures set out in the Luton Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and as such will seek their advice on all steps taken subsequently. Hygiene: In order to prevent the spread of infection and maintain cleanliness of the premises, the highest standard of hygiene is maintained in the nursery. Behaviour Management At Mini Stars Childcare, we believe in practicing an approach which supports children’s development of self discipline. We believe that children who acquire the ability to be disciplined learn to balance their needs with those of others, feel good about themselves and become increasingly more independent. Special Educational Needs The nursery aims to have regard for the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice and to provide a welcome and appropriate learning opportunities for all children We recognise that children can have a range of special needs that can affect their physical, emotional or learning needs and that these will require additional support in order for them to reach their full potential. We will make reasonable adjustments to the environment to suit the educational and care needs of all the children. Parents as Partners

Our childcare team will work with parents providing quality care for their children. It is our policy to ensure that parents/careers have the opportunity to actively participate at all levels, as partners, in the policy/decision making process of the organisation and in the planning and delivery of services to their children. Through this we aim to enable parents/careers to feel comfortable in the nursery. Complaints There may be instances when you are unhappy or unsure about an aspect of MiniStars Childcare. We welcome suggestions on how to improve our nursery and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns about the running of the nursery. We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to the appropriate member of staff. If this does not achieve the desired result, we have a set of procedures for dealing with concerns; We aim to bring all concerns about the running of our nursery to a satisfactory conclusion for all the parties involved. Excursions: Children will be taken on excursions to local parks, libraries and other amenities. For outings and activities that may be chargeable, parents will be notified and permission obtained in advance. Children may be taken on outings by public transport, minibus/coach all under the supervision of qualified staff.