Giving your school a makeover

Oxford Brookes University Nursery

Ofsted rating: Good Provides childcare for children aged 4 months to 5 years. Although priority is given to children of University staff and students, external children are also welcomed in their 2-5’s room.

www.brookes.ac.uk/nursery/

St Thomas Day Nursery

Ofsted rating: Good It is one of Oxford’s longest-established nurseries, having been established since 1986. It is located in the city centre, yet adjoins the historic Norman church of St Thomas the Martyr.

www.thomasnursery.co.uk

North Hinksey Preschool and Childcare Clubs

Ofsted rating: Good Located next to North Hinksey Primary School and offer extended day care for our Preschool children between 8.00 am and 5.00pm.

www.northhinkseypreschool.org

TURN TO PAGES 66-73 To read the Oxford Schools Special feature

Readiness for every stage of learning

Child’s bedtime routine for a restful night’s sleep

Preparing children for Reception

The transition from nursery to ‘big school’ can be a nervous time, for both the children and parents alike. Within The Old Station Nursery Group, we believe in fostering several skills, aptitudes, and attitudes, that not only ensure the children are ‘school ready’ but are also ready for every stage of learning. These skills are developed from the day the children start nursery, right up until the transition to school. Resilience: supported when making mistakes Endeavour: trying hard to achieve their best Attitude: believe learning is positive Desire: full of ‘wants and wishes’ Individuality: celebrating uniqueness Nurture: feeling loved and protected Excitement: excited, eager, and willing to learn Self-esteem: recognising and valuing their own worth Specialness: knowing they are special and unique

If we successfully nurture and support these vital characteristics and attributes, children will have a solid and secure foundation from which they can successfully engage in learning, with competence and confidence, throughout their nursery journey, school life and beyond.

The Old Station Nursery, Bampton offers full time and part time care for 0-5 year olds and is located on the grounds of Bampton Primary School, making the transition to school seamless. It is a welcoming nursery, with a qualified and child-centred team.

www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk

Busy Bees give their top tips

Something all parents can relate to is disrupted sleep. Every child goes through various stages of sleep regression in their early years for any number of reasons such as developmental changes, changes in their environment or home life, or if they are feeling unwell.

Developing a positive bedtime routine can not only create an enjoyable experience for you and your child, but can also lay the foundations for a better night’s sleep (for both of you!)

Here are our top tips to help your child settle to sleep:

1. Dim the Lights

Dimming the lights up to an hour before bedtime and ensuring there is only low lighting when putting them to bed could help your child settle to sleep. Children’s body clocks are sensitive to light exposure, so minimal light such as a dim lamp or small night light can help your child’s body adjust to the bedtime routine.

2. Share a Story Together

Sharing stories together is a wonderful way to support your child with any emotions they may be feeling, while spending quality time together and winding down for bed. Connecting with characters who are experiencing similar emotions helps your child to make sense of how they are feeling, or to learn and develop both their language and imagination.

3. Talk About Feelings

Chatting with your child about their day, or what’s on their mind can help them to process the world around them and understand any experiences or changes they might be going through. By letting them talk it out, it’s less likely to interrupt their sleep.

4. Relax…

If your child gets anxious or restless at bedtime, it may be a good idea to lay down with them and practice some relaxing breathing techniques together. Encourage them to take deep calming breaths along with you, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. A good way of getting your child to do this is to tell them they are breathing in magic through their nose, and fairy dust out through their mouth!

www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk