Axminster Prospectus
Victoria Halls, Coombe Lane, Axminster, Devon. Tel: 01297 631972
Tick Tocks Day Nursery is jointly run by Lynn Knight and Alison Coleman. The nursery is registered by Ofsted, and is run following the standards and guidelines laid down by them. Our main aim is to provide a happy, caring and secure atmosphere where children learn and develop to their full potential through play and structured activities.
Tick Tocks Day Nursery first opened in Charmouth in September 2002, and is registered for 18 children. In February 2005 we opened a second nursery in Axminster, Devon, which is registered for 35 children. Some of our staff work between the two nurseries and use their experience and knowledge to ensure we provide a home from home atmosphere within both settings.
Axminster is a great location for Tick Tocks, we take full advantage of being near the library, park and railway station and have regular outings to them. The building has two levels, upstairs includes our Pre-school room, bathrooms, sleep rooms and office and the spacious downstairs area is divided into a playroom, bathroom, cloakroom and food/messy area which opens out onto the garden.
We provide day care for 0-6 year olds enabling parents and carers to either return to work, study or simply have a well earned break whilst allowing their children to have fun and interact with others.
Lynn and Alison are both parents themselves and appreciate the anxiety parents have when leaving their children in the care of others. We both take an active role in the nursery and like to get to know the children who attend. When we cannot be on the premises the Supervisors are in charge of the nursery and staff. We constantly monitor the staff and children to ensure you are getting the best care possible. We offer an open door policy so if parents have any worries or would like to discuss their child with us please do so.
Throughout the day there will be a number of activities for all the children to become actively involved in should they wish to do so. All of these activities will be planned with the age and stage of development of the children in mind, to help them to progress to their next stage of development. Children will be able to take home their work that they have created during the day. They will have worked hard on these creations and your praise will give them all the encouragement they deserve.
Staff Information
All the staff at Tick Tocks have or are working towards their childcare qualifications. They are all dedicated to providing a happy, safe and secure environment and help to maintain high standards of care by regularly attending training courses such as Child Protection, First Aid, Equal Opportunities, Birth to Three Matters and Foundation Stage planning.
Sometimes Tick Tocks will have student helpers within the nursery as practical experience for their Child care courses. They will be supervised by a member of staff at all times.
Lynn - Manager
Lynn has gained lots of childcare experience through being a Childminder and a mum of 2. She has her NVQ 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education and has completed courses in Health and Safety/Risk Assessment, Safe guarding children, First Aid, Observation and Record keeping and Foundation Stage planning. Lynn works between both Charmouth and Axminster.
Alison - Manager
Alison gained previous childcare experience through nannying and is also a mother of 5. She has gained her NVQ 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education and has completed courses in Safe guarding children, Observation and Record keeping and First Aid. Alison works between both Charmouth and Axminster.
Heidi - Supervisor
Heidi has worked at Tick Tocks since it opened in September 2002. She gained previous childcare experience through nannying and childminding and her qualifications include a Diploma in Nursery Nursing, First Aid, Health and Safety/Risk Assessment and SENCO. Heidi works between both Charmouth and Axminster.
Charlotte - Supervisor
Before Charlotte began working at Tick Tocks she worked in a local Pre-school and gained experience within the setting. She then worked at Charmouth Tick Tocks before moving over to Axminster in February 2005 to be Supervisor. She has a BTEC Diploma in Early Years and has completed courses in Food Hygiene, First Aid and Birth to Three Matters.
Vicky - Nursery Assistant
Vicky worked at Charmouth Tick Tocks for a while before moving over to Axminster in February 2005. She has gained her NVQ 2 in Early Years Child Care and Education and is currently undertaking her NVQ 3. She has completed courses in Food Hygiene, First Aid and Health and Safety/Risk Assessment. Vicky also gained experience through nannying.
Marian - Nursery Assistant
Before working at Tick Tocks Marian gained experience whilst working in a Local Primary School. She has a B-ED Primary Teaching qualification and has completed courses in Food Hygiene and First Aid. Marian is currently working towards gaining her NVQ 3 in Early Years and Education qualification.
Sam - Nursery Assistant
Sam has been working at Tick Tocks since August 2006. She has gained previous experience in other nurseries and has her NVQ 2 in Early Years and Education. Sam has also completed courses in Food Hygiene and First Aid.
Katrina - Nursery Assistant
Katrina has worked at Tick Tocks since August 2006. She has a National Diploma in Health and Social Care and has gained experience through babysitting. Katrina has also completed a First Aid course.
Dawn - Nursery Assistant
Dawn has been working at Tick Tocks since October 2007. She has gained a NVQ level 2 in Early Years and Education and has completed courses in First Aid, Behaviour Management, learning through play, Observation and Record Keeping and Safe guarding children. Dawn works between both Axminster and Charmouth.
Kayleigh - Nursery Assistant
Kayleigh previously worked at Tick Tocks Axminster for a year before moving over to Charmouth in September 2006. She has gained her Foundation Degree in Early Years and has completed a course in Food Hygiene. She now works between both Axminster and Charmouth.
All staff are (CRB) Criminal Records Bureau checked.
The Children
0 - 2 year olds
Staff ratio: 1 - 3 children
For the very young children there is an area in the playroom called the Baby Den. This area includes bouncy chairs, play mats, soft toys, rattles and other age appropriate toys. The children are not always limited to this area so will have the chance to use the rest of the nursery for planned activities such as physical play, cooking and craft.
2 - 3 year olds
Staff ratio: 1 - 4 children
These children are now becoming more inquisitive and begin to enjoy a wider variety of toys including puzzles, cars, construction and role play. They will have the chance to join in with planned physical, cooking and craft activities throughout the session/day.
3 - 6 year olds
Staff ratio: 1 - 8 children
These children have a wide choice of activities including free play, craft, physical, construction and role play. They also have the opportunity to join in with more structured activities in our Pre-school room, ie: linking letters with sounds, counting and number recognition, pencil and scissor control, and computer skills.
We also discuss our monthly topic and talk about the letter sound of the week. We encourage the children to bring in items linked to the topic/letter sound as this helps them to develop their understanding.
Only gentle encouragement will be used to get the children to join in with planned/structured activities. Should they not wish to join in there is always the chance for free play.
Throughout the day children of all age groups will get the chance to mix together. We feel this is important as all children learn from each other whatever their age or stage of development.
Curriculum
Birth to Three Matters
At Tick Tocks we follow the government framework called Birth to Three Matters for the 0-3 year old children. This helps us to support children in their earliest years. It involves staff carrying out general observations which are used to plan activities that best help your child develop in all areas. The framework has been divided into four sections:
- A Strong Child
- A Skilful Communicator
- A Competent Learner
- A Healthy Child
The observations are recorded in your child's personal folder and will be passed on to you when they turn 3.
The Foundation Stage
When your child reaches the age of 3 they are entitled to claim the government funded vouchers. Therefore we follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum set out by them, which includes six areas of development:
- Personal, Emotional and Social Development
- Communication, Language and Literacy
- Mathematical Development
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- Creative Development
- Physical Development
The staff at Tick Tocks plan activities in all of these areas to help the children get a wide range of opportunities and experiences which help them develop many different skills needed in later life. We monitor each child's progress through individual observations, which can help us to pick up on any areas that your child may find difficult. We can then concentrate on this area in order to help your child progress. It is important that any children with special educational needs or learning difficulties are identified at an early stage so we are able to provide appropriate support for them and their families in order to help them reach their full potential. These observations are recorded in your child's personal folder and will be passed on to you once they leave Tick Tocks.
Both the Birth to Three and Foundation Stage observations are always available to view in your child's folder should you wish to do so.
Settling Your Child In
Every child is different and will react differently to being left at nursery, however we feel it is best done gradually so your child has the chance to familiarise themselves with the staff and building. Please discuss your child's individual needs with a Supervisor so we can work together to find the best way to settle your child in for a happy stay at Tick Tocks. We will always contact you if your child will not settle or is unhappy to stay with us.
Comfort Items and Toys
Children are welcome to bring a comfort item or favourite toy with them into nursery. They will be encouraged to keep these in their bags when they have finished playing with them. Whilst every effort will be made to keep these items safe, due to the number of toys already within the nursery, we cannot take responsibility for loss or damage to these items.
Sleep
There is a sleeproom and restroom within the nursery where any children that needs sleep or quiet time can go for a rest. These rooms include cots and pushchairs for whichever your child prefers to sleep in. Each child is given their own set of sheets and blankets. The rooms are checked regularly and both have monitors which are linked to downstairs.
Nappies
Please bring in a packet of nappies, wet wipes and any cream needed to be left by the changing unit. We will label these and only use them for your child. When the supply is running low we will let you know so you can replace them. If our own nappies need to be used these will be charged at 50p each.
Potty Training
If your child is ready for potty training please let us know and we will be only too happy to help and encourage your child through this stage of their development. It is advisable to bring in plenty of extra pants and clothing in case of any accidents.
Clothes
Even though during ‘messy' activities aprons are provided, there may be occasions where your child's clothes may get dirty. Please bring a spare change of clothes in case of any miss-haps. All clothing and shoes should be named clearly. During the summer months we ask that you provide sun hats and sun cream which can be applied if necessary.
Snack Time
During both morning and afternoon sessions we have snack time which the children can help to prepare. We try to encourage healthy eating so provide a selection of fruit, which is then followed by a biscuit or cake they made themselves and a choice of squash or water. Where possible we will cater for any special dietary requirements. Please ensure these are noted in your child's registration details.
Lunch Time
Please provide your child with a packed lunch if they are staying all day and put it into a named container, which will be kept in the fridge. We do have a microwave should you wish to have anything heated. For babies please provide any bottles/beakers and enough milk and juice for their stay at nursery. We will provide any plates, bowls, cups and cutlery needed.
Illness
If your child becomes ill whilst they are at nursery you will be contacted and asked to collect them. If we become worried about your child's condition and are unable to get in touch with either you or your emergency contact, we will seek professional advice.
If your child is unwell and not able to attend nursery please inform us as soon as possible. Children with contagious/infectious diseases should be excluded from nursery as stated below. A doctor's note may be required.
Eye infections
Exclusion period - Until eye is fully clear (5 days minimum).
Sickness
Exclusion period - 24 hours after last bout of sickness/diarrhoea. Extreme cases may need longer.
Impetigo
Exclusion period - Until infected area is fully cleared up.
Chicken Pox
Exclusion period - Until spots are all dried up.
Head Lice
Exclusion period - Hair needs to be treated and all lice/eggs need to be removed before returning to nursery. We recommend that you comb through your child's hair daily after treatment and treat again after 2 weeks to ensure all lice/eggs are gone.
For any other illnesses please ask a member of staff for advice.
Medicine
Medication can only be given once a parent/carer has completed and signed a medicine form. A duplicate copy of this will be given to you when you collect your child so you are aware of the dosage they have had.
Accidents
Should any accidents occur whilst your child is at nursery the details will be noted in the accident book. You will be asked to read the report and sign to say you are aware of what happened and any injuries sustained. You will then be given a duplicate copy.
Staff should be informed of any accidents that happen outside of nursery and the details need to be recorded and signed by a parent in our other accident book.
Child Protection
At Tick Tocks the needs of the children will always come first. Should we at any time become concerned about your child's emotional or physical well-being, in most cases the first port of call will be the parents. But if we feel it necessary then we will pass our concerns on to the relevant professional bodies.
Behaviour Management
We always have a positive approach to behaviour, therefore we praise good behaviour and reject unwanted behaviour. Staff always act as good role models and under no circumstances will we use corporal punishment. We feel it is important to work closely together with parents/carers to help their child if needed.
Partnership With Parents
We feel it is important to create a good partnership with parents/carers to enable us to provide the best care for your child. We will keep you informed about your child's progress and time at nursery through verbal contact and regularly update you about topics and activities going on throughout the month with newsletters. The 0-2 year old children each have a baby diary, which is written in each time your child is at nursery and includes sleep times, what they have eaten and when they had nappy changes. This book is then taken home and can be written in by parents, recording routines or any other relevant information if you wish. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress or time at nursery please do not hesitate to ask.
Equal Opportunities
At Tick Tocks Day Nursery we ensure that our nursery is accessible to all the community and that no individual or group is denied access or discriminated against on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, caring responsibilities, religious beliefs, age, social class, political beliefs, employment status, union membership, place of residence or whether they are HIV positive. We respect everyone using the nursery equally and believe that everyone has a valued contribution to make.
Religious and Cultural Activities
Throughout the year we will be talking about and celebrating many different religious and cultural activities as part of our curriculum. These may include Christmas, Easter, Divali and Chinese New Year. If you do not wish your child to take part in any of these please let us know.
Policies and Procedures
Our policies and procedures are designed to offer the best possible experience for the children and families at Tick Tocks. These are always available, should you wish to view them please ask.
Registration Forms
We realise these are very in depth but it is important that we have all this information so we can provide the best possible care for your child. Please make sure you read them carefully and fill out/sign all sections. Also it is very important that you inform us as soon as possible if any of your or your child's details change.
Dropping Off/Collecting Your Child
The door will be kept locked at all times for security reasons and must only be unlocked by a member of staff. On arrival please ring the bell and wait for a member of staff to let you in, then hang your child's bag/coat on their named peg and remove their shoes and place them on the shoe rack underneath. Please ask a member of staff to let you out. If someone else is picking your child up we use a password system - you will be asked to fill out details for this on the registration form. We will not release your child to another adult unless they know the password and we have been informed by a parent/carer.
Payment
Payment will be in advance, invoices will be issued on the 20th of the month and need to be paid by the 1st of the following month. Payment can be made by either cash, cheque (made payable to Tick Tocks Day Nursery Ltd) or BACS. If parents persistently forget to pay fees they will jeopardise their child's space at Tick Tocks. If you are experiencing any difficulty please speak to Lynn or Alison.
Holiday
Please inform us in writing of any holidays you wish to take giving as much notice as possible. You are entitled to take 2 weeks at half price per year.
Government Funded Vouchers
These vouchers are available from the term after your child's 3rd birthday. You are entitled to claim up to 5 vouchers per week (worth two and a half hours each) for 33 weeks of the year, this works out roughly term time only. They are worth approximately £8.20 each and will be deducted from your invoice ie: reducing the nursery session to £5.30. You will automatically receive a form from us to fill in once your child is eligible.
Opening Times/Prices
Session Times:
- 8.30am - 12.30pm (Morning session)
- 1.00pm - 5.00pm (Afternoon session)
- 8.30am - 5.00pm (full day)
Staff are on the premises until 5.30pm for working parents should you need this. However there will be a late collection charge of £5 for every 15 minutes there after.
Prices:
- Baby session 0 - 2 yrs: £14.50 per session or £29.00 per day
- Toddler session 2 - 3 yrs: £14.50 per session or £29.00 per day
- Nursery session 3 - 6 yrs: £13.50 per session or £28.00 per day
If you would like your child to stay for lunch this can be done at an extra charge of £1.75 until 1pm.
Booking Your Child into Tick Tocks
To book your child into Tick Tocks we take a £25 non refundable registration fee along with the first month's fees (this is non refundable if you cancel the place). If you are booking a place in advance you will be charged full price for the space should it become the last available space within your child's age group.
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