At Tiny Steps our aim is to provide a happy and safe environment where children are encouraged to learn through a variety of experiences their skills for life. Established in 1986 the Nursery has an excellent reputation of providing quality care at a reasonable price. Operating on Christian values we welcome children of all cultural backgrounds from the age of six weeks to five years of age.

The care of your child will be of vital importance to you and the choice of a Nursery is not something that you will want to rush into. All our staff have a wide range of qualifications in childcare and are dedicated to provide the best possible care in early years education for your child. We would encourage you to visit our Nursery where we can help you make that choice.

The Nursery is secure and spacious incorporating a number of rooms so that children are cared for in small groups. The Nursery operates two main units, Rainbow for children aged one year to two years, Ark which caters for preschool children aged three to five years and also a Baby unit providing care for babies aged six weeks to one year. The curriculums we provide is based on the Early Learning Goals with a strong emphasis on personal and social skills such as good manners and respect for each other and enjoy learning through their play.

The daily routine encourages independence within the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and our aim is to ensure equal opportunity for all the children in our care.

Staffing

We employ a mixed age group of staff, which we believe is important in providing a sensible balance of age and experience. Nursery Nurses are in charge of children’s groups and have qualifications in childcare such as N.V.Q.3/ N.N.EB diplomas and Nursery Assistants with N.V.Q.2.qualification. There is also on going training using a local training organisation and Milton Keynes College. The Nursery operates a key worker policy that gives parents close contact with one member of staff. This is particularly important as Key-workers can provide feedback on what your child has been doing during the day. We also encourage parents to share information on what your child has been doing at home.

Opening hours

The Nursery opens throughout the year closing only for public and bank holidays and a full week over the Christmas period. We open five days a week from 7.45am until to 6.00pm and take children on a full time and part time basis. A minimum of two sessions is required and you are requested not to arrive before 7:45am. The Nursery closes at 6.00pm and ask that you arrive on time to collect your child. If you are unable to collect your child personally we will require identification from the persons collecting your child as this ensures the safety of your child whilst in our care.

Meals

Meals are planned over a month and menus are planned over a month in advance providing a well- balanced nutritional diet. Menus are displayed each day in the Nursery reception and dietary requirements are catered for. We also provide baby food for babies and all food is included in our fees.

Clothing

Parents are requested to provide a change of clothing in a clearly labelled bag; clothes must be clearly labelled with your child’s name. We cannot take responsibility for clothes that are lost or damaged.

Settling in

We appreciate that each child is an individual and some children may take longer to settle than others into the Nursery routine. In the week preceding your child’s start date you will be asked to attend for settling periods. This time is very important to help your child to settle into the Nursery routine as soon as possible.

Payment

Payment is made by standing order through your bank and payable on the first of each month. You will receive a statement of your account each month and fees are payable at all times including bank holidays and all periods of absence.

If you wish to remove your child from the Nursery, one month’s written notice must be given.

If you should remove your child immediately you fees are required in lieu of notice.