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Early Years in association with Plymouth City Council

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■ Giving your children the best possible start in life is very close to every parent’s heart. This supplement is proudly supported by Plymouth City Council and a host of local businesses and it’s packed full of ideas to help you choose the right early years place for your child...

‘

A child’s early development is absolutely crucial – the first five years of life can shape all the years that follow.

’

– Plymouth city councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet member for Children and Young People

First steps are so important

by GRAHAM BROACH EARLY years education includes nurseries, children’s centres and preschools.

Good childcare enables parents to go back to work knowing that their little one is being well looked after.

But even more important is the benefit to the child in terms of learning to play and socialise with other children, growing in independence and taking the first steps in education.

These early experiences can also smooth the transition to school later.

Professionally-run operations such as Achievers Day Nursery at Laira, run by husband-and-wife team Allan and Eileen Wright, employ qualified and experienced staff and are regulated by Ofsted and Plymouth City Council.

They invest in facilities such as indoor and outdoor play areas and online booking facilities for the pleasure of children and the convenience of parents.

Allan said:“We believe the key to running an effective nursery in Plymouth is to offer customers the flexibility they need while also providing excellent standards of care and education.

Above left, Plymouth city councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet member for Children and Young People; above right, Allan Wright of Achievers Day Nursery at Laira “While it is recognised that all children are unique, we believe that having expectations for children to achieve develops self-confidence and creates positive outcomes.

“Through balancing care and education, we aim to support children in being emotionally secure.

“We will also take steps to encourage children to gain the practical and social skills needed for everyday life.

“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential.”

Plymouth city councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, told the Herald: “A child’s early development is

absolutely crucial – the first five years of life can shape all the years that follow.

“Getting a good start means that when a child begins at school they are not at an immediate disadvantage.

“With the right support and challenge we can ensure a child’s early language and physical skills are nurtured and developed.”

Cllr Williams said that without good early education a child could be set on a path in life that became more and more difficult to turn around.

“We want to ensure that no child in Plymouth is in a situation where they need to play catch-up,” she said. “This is known as early intervention in professional circles and key to this is good child care.

“We have an excellent team of early years staff who support different settings in Plymouth including nurseries, children’s centres and pre-schools with everything from welfare and safeguarding to learning, development and inclusion, as well as supporting the business part of an organisation to ensure it is sustainable.”

She highlighted information in this supplement on the centre pages about free childcare places available for all families with a total income of less than £16,190, or for those with statements of Special Educational Needs or education, health and care plans.

Cllr Williams said: “This new criteria, which comes into force in September, has widened the number of families eligible and means approximately 40 per cent of all two year olds in the city can receive free childcare – that’s 1,424 little ones.

“Some parents could be offered free childcare even if you do not meet the criteria, so speak to your health visitor or local children’s centre for more information.

“If you know someone who may qualify for free childcare, please pass on this supplement and encourage them to call our fantastic Early Years team on 01752 307450.”

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.

ASSESSMENTS There are assessments when a child is aged between 2 and 3 years and at the end of the academic year when they turn 5. These are not tests for the child – the assessments are based on EYFS practitioners’ observations.

Information from these assessments is used for parents, practitioners and teachers to support children’s learning and development.

Early years learning concentrates on 7 areas split between prime and specific areas of learning.

The prime areas of learning are: ● communication and language ● physical development ● personal, social and emotional development The specific areas of learning are: ● literacy ● mathematics ● understanding the world ● expressive arts and design Teaching is often done through play, where the child learns about subjects and other people through games.

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/earlyyears-foundation-stage

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Singing is more than just fun â&#x2013; Singing or dancing can bring huge developmental benefits to children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a lot of fun at the same time. Lisa Salmon reports...

MOST people find singing and dancing fun but for children the benefits go much further than just a smile.

Studies suggest that singing and dancing with children aids speech development, coordination and lifelong emotional wellbeing, as well as enhancing family bonding.

Professor Patricia Riddell, a professor of applied neuroscience at the University of Reading, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even before they are six months old, infants prefer to listen to happy rather than sad music. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And playing with children, including singing and dancing, has been shown both to increase brain connectivity and benefit child-parent interactions in toddlers.â&#x20AC;?

Prof Riddell says it has been suggested that music is the evolutionary foundation of human speech and so helps children in the early stages of learning to talk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that neurones that fire together, wire together â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the brain is looking for patterns. The rhythm of music and dance helps to create these patterns, allowing the brain to connect across different senses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; vision, hearing and movement.â&#x20AC;?

Singing and dancing additionally helps communication by creating a fun environment that helps relieve stress â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

something that in turn is beneficial for development.

Megan Pacey, chief executive of Early Education, a charity which works to ensure effective early childhood education said that in the early stages of talking, songs can also help children improve their vocabulary and the rhythm of a song helps them use words fluently at a time when their spoken language is still emerging.

Action songs help too, because using words, actions and tunes together boosts learning, and counting, and alphabet songs help children remember important facts.

She suggests familiar songs can easily adapt, for example, using the tune of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here we go round the mulberry bushâ&#x20AC;? to sing about all sorts of activities such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we are scrambling eggs for teaâ&#x20AC;?.

Megan Pacey strongly believes dancing with children can be great fun too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It provides everyone with exercise and allows children to think about the music in ways which in turn helps them to listen.â&#x20AC;?

The brain is constructed to make it hard for children to resist imitating what they see and hear. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moving to music makes them more aware of the sounds theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hearing, and helps them learn to listen to it,â&#x20AC;? she said.

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Pay a visit to see what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like

by GRAHAM BROACH

WHEN choosing a nursery for your child, the most important thing is to spend time visiting, meeting the staff and getting a feel for the place.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the view of Ruth Smith, manager of Little Stars Nursery based at Marine Academy, St Budeaux.

Ruth said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some parents work and need cover for their children, some want their children to come for socialisation and some are allocated 15 hours of childcare by the Government for various reasons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For some parents, there are transport issues, and they will choose a nursery near their home or work, or near schools where siblings need to be dropped off. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the schools will have an Ofsted report which can be read online, and this does make a difference. But I feel you need to visit the nursery, talk to the staff and gauge the atmosphere. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You need to look at areas provided for sleep, rest and safe outdoor play and ask questions, such as whether all areas of the curriculum are covered.â&#x20AC;?

Ruth, who has worked in childcare for more than 20 years and is among ten staff at Little Stars, said some nurseries had special advantages which some parents might feel were important. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marine Academy has a 0-19 campus, with the nursery, primary school and secondary school on a single site,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This can make transition much easier for children, which is something for parents to consider.â&#x20AC;?

Ruth recommends talking to friends whose children already use the nursery and can recommend it personally.

And she said it was vital that a child was settled and happy if it was to make the most of its

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capacity to learn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer a settlingin process where parents are encouraged to come in for several â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stay and playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; visits,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153; T h e ch i l d c a n play in a secure base and explore with mum or dad there, then we can withdraw the parent to do the induction pro- Ruth Smith, manager of cess.

Little Stars Nursery â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some parents like based at Marine to drop their child off Academy at nursery and phone back to make sure they are settling, while others like to stay a little while. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a key person system for each child who acts as a family link and can be contacted at any time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have official times to discuss the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress.â&#x20AC;?

Ruth said all her staff are highly-qualified, but experience, character and personality are just as important. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of our staff have NVQ Level 3, some have Level 4 and two of us have BA Honours degrees in Early Childhood Studies as well as Early Years Professional Status,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But practitioners need to be effective and change to meet the needs of the children and not do something â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always done it this wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Team meetings, supervision, training and feedback are all important. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every family has different needs and while 80 per cent of our children come from the local area, some are driven in from other parts of the city.â&#x20AC;?

HIGH QUALITY CHILDCARE Plymouthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early years settings (nurseries, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centres and pre-schools) continue to offer a high quality service.

Over 90% achieved either good or outstanding grades from Ofsted.

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are incredibly proud of our excellent quality early years settings.

There is an incredible range of fantastic childcare options for families. A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early development is so important in shaping the rest of an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. We are determined as a Council to give children the best start by continuing to provide excellent early years education for all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no matter where you live in the city or your financial position.â&#x20AC;?

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CENTRES Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centres act as the hub for community-based services for all families during pregnancy, birth and until the child is five years old.

Children Centres: â&#x20AC;˘ Prepare children for school â&#x20AC;˘ Support parents and their ability to meet their responsibilities â&#x20AC;˘ Provide parents with opportunities to develop personal skills, education and get work â&#x20AC;˘ Develop healthy lifestyles for children and families â&#x20AC;˘ Support parents to keep their children safe â&#x20AC;˘ Help children to reach their full potential and reduce inequality in their health and development There are currently 16 operational childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centres in Plymouth. For further information on each childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centres visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/childrens centres

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ASK THE EXPERT Q: Does it matter if my three-year-old daughter doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to bed at the same time every night? She does sleep in if she goes to bed late.

A: Professor Amanda Sacker, director of the International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health at University College, London (UCL), co-authored recent research into the effect childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedtimes have on their academic performance.

She says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The recommended amount of sleep for a three-year-old is about 12 hours per day. Our research showed that irregular bedtimes at age three were associated, on average, with lower reading, maths and spatial ability test scores at age seven.

Ofsted is such a vital watchdog

by GRAHAM BROACH

INSPECTIONS by Ofsted are vital to give parents confidence that nurseries are well-run and to help nurseries improve their standards.

All nurseries are regularly inspected by the Government agency and rated unsatisfactory, needing improvement, good or outstanding.

Reported concerns may also trigger full inspections, whose findings are published.

In very serious cases, the nurseryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s registration may be cancelled.

Little Nippers nursery in Plympton was set up in September 2012 and received a â&#x20AC;&#x153;goodâ&#x20AC;? rating in its initial Ofsted inspection.

Director Caroline Paternotte, who is also a qualified primary teacher and Early Years professional, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ofsted is important, and every parent should look at a nurseryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ofsted report before they come. Ofsted inspectors do a thorough job and have a fresh view and their own criteria. They have been getting strict lately and it is very hard to be rated outstanding.â&#x20AC;?

Unlike schools, which are notified in advance of inspections, nurseries receive no warning.

The inspector should read the nurseryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selfevaluation form in advance and then be shown around the premises, visiting every room.

They will check what the children are doing and whether they are secure and happy.

They will ask staff about the children and look at samples of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning journals.

Staff will be questioned to cross-check the information in the journals and activities will be observed alongside a member of the management team, with notes being taken by both.

Breaks, lunch times and outdoor activities are monitored, and checks made on how children are communicating. The inspector will also check

staff qualifications and ensure a policy on whistle-blowing is in place.

The inspectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report is moderated twice and published several months later, with recommendations for improvement.

Little Nippers, rated good across the board, was recommended to redevelop its outdoor activity area and give children more independence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; issues which have since been addressed.

Caroline said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The report is a snapshot of the nursery on a particular day and a good one means parents can be confident the nursery is well-run. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We keep copies of the report for parents outside every room. Plymouth City Council also has very good quality assurance. All nurseries are thoroughly checked and they are very constructive and helpful. There is a very supportive Early Years Service in Plymouth, which is really good compared with other councils.â&#x20AC;?

Caroline said Little Nippers, based in a period house near the Ridgeway in Plympton, had two special features appreciated by inspectors and parents alike.

As well as conversing normally, staff use Makaton, a simple version of British Sign Language, which is especially helpful for children who do not yet talk, who have English as a second language or who have special needs. It is also a healthy eating nursery, with an emphasis on fruit and vegetables for snacks and lunch.

Caroline said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parental recommendation is also very important. Parents should come and visit a nursery while it is working and hear how the staff talk to the children and see what they are doing.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The body works better when sleep times are regular. And children are more likely to get the right amount of good-quality sleep if they go to bed at the same time each night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Children need sleep so that they can hardwire the information theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken in on the previous day and be well rested to learn again the next day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The impact of irregular bedtimes at age three is quite small if regular bedtime routines are established once children start school. So if your child is getting the right amount of sleep every 24 hours, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to worry now.â&#x20AC;?

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City is helping those children

â&#x2013; Jo Hall, senior advisor Early Years for Plymouth City Council tells The Herald how Plymouth is geared up to provide thousands of extra hours of free childcare to children from some of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poorest families

IN September 2013 when free childcare for two year olds was first available, we exceeded expectations and 720 families receiving out-of-work benefits with a two year old got up to 15 hours of free childcare per week.

This was on top of the 15 hours of free childcare that is available for all children aged three and four.

To ensure we had enough childcare places across the city we worked in partnership with our excellent and dedicated early years settings and staff, who are committed to meeting the needs of all local families.

We now need to double the number of places available by September 2014, so the council is continuing to work co-operatively with the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early years organisations to make sure there will be enough high quality places for children who are most in need.

We have now started phase two of our extensive expansion programme.

Throughout these developments we found that staff have been enthusiastic and committed in their desire to expand their numbers and have been keen to train and adapt to manage this change.

As more two year olds become eligible in the future, we will need to use our co-operative values and approaches to ensure the best start in life for Plymouth children.

Who can get free childcare for their two year old?

The new criteria for Me2 Funding now includes working families and their children who have a total household income below ÂŁ16,190.

At the beginning of the school-term date after a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second birthday, eligible families can claim 15 hours of free childcare.

All two-year-olds with a statement of Special Educational Need or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC), and children in care, will also be entitled to a place from this April.

BOOST FOR FREE CHILDCARE An extra 10,800 hours of free childcare was received each week by two years olds from 720 of the lowest income families in the city last year.

From September this year an extra 700 two year olds could receive free childcare. So that means 1,400 two year olds receiving 21,000 hours of free childcare per week â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 798,000 hours over the course of the year.

More than 850,000 three and four year olds nationally already access up to 15 hours of free childcare every week. A total of 260,000 two year olds across the county from lower income backgrounds can get free childcare from September 2014.

The aim is to give children from some of the poorest families in the city the ability to access the same opportunities as those children from

more well-off families. It will also allow parents to have some free-time to help them train or gain

qualifications to put them in a better position to find work.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve secured funding to increase the number of places to 1,000 families from this Easter so that we can gradually expand to 1,400 places from September.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now processing applications for families who meet the new criteria ready for Easter.

Why is free childcare needed?

A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first few years are crucial in shaping the rest of its life. We know that from studies of child development.

Evidence shows that if a child falls behind in their development by the age of three, they tend to play catch up throughout their education.

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are known to be more at risk of poor development, with evidence showing that differences emerge early on in life. High quality early education can make a real difference to a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress and

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the extra support will help to make sure children from poorer families do not lose out.

This links back to our aims around early intervention and prevention.

We want to stop achievement and attainment gaps from forming in the first place, so that schools are not expected to deal with them later.

What can parents do to help their child develop?

As well as giving babies and toddlers the chance to socialise with other children and adults, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really important that parents help their children learn in the home too. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital to read, sing and talk to your child.

Even at an early age, when children have little understanding of language, talking and singing

to a child helps to develop their own speech and language skills.

While TV and computers are a big part of our lives nowadays, there is no substitute for one-toone quality time chatting and playing with your child.

Parents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to spend money on expensive toys or days out to develop their child.

A simple and free trip to one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lovely parks or playgrounds is a great form of exercise and a perfect chance to have fun and play.

To find out if your two year old could receive free childcare, call the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Early Years Service on 01752 307450 or ask at your local childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centre.

You can also call the Family Information Service on freephone 0800 783 4259 or 01752 856719.

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR HELP? Families receiving any of the benefits listed below could be entitled to free childcare for their two year old: â&#x2013; Income Support â&#x2013; Income based Jobseekers Allowance â&#x2013; Income related Employment and Support Allowance â&#x2013; Support under Part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 â&#x2013; The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

â&#x2013; Child Tax Credit with an annual household income not exceeding ÂŁ16,190 â&#x2013; Working Tax Credits with an annual household income not exceeding ÂŁ16,190 â&#x2013; Looked after children â&#x2013; Children that attract Disability Living Allowance â&#x2013; Children with a current statement of SEN or an Education, Health and Care plan â&#x2013; Referred by a Health Visitor or local children centre

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Finding the right support THE Family Information Service recently launched the Plymouth Online Directory for families.

The website, in partnership with Plymouth City Council, features details of local support available for children, young people and families. It also provides details for national organisations that offer ser-

vices to meet a variety of support needs.

The Plymouth Online Directory for families includes statu t o r y, v o l u n t a r y a n d community sector providers that all help play a vital role in providing information, advice, guidance and support to families in the Plymouth area.

The directory also includes

details of Ofsted registered childcare in the city so parents can search for childcare to meet their needs.

The directory can be found by searching for Plymouth Online directory and clicking on the families link or by visiting www.plymouthonlinedirectory .com/families

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Tuesday February 11 2014 PAGE 8

Listening, learning & understanding

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Choice is key for caring parents

by CHRISSY HARRIS

PRE-SCHOOLS, nurseries, day nurseries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it sure is a jungle out there when it comes to knowing where to send your little one for their first taste of education.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably something you never paid much attention to before you had children but it suddenly becomes very important.

All settings have the same aim: to encourage children aged between two and five to learn, play and develop. Pre-school education is not compulsory but experts say a decent early start can help prepare your youngster for primary school.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put together a basic guide to help you find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on offer in Plymouth.

Pre-schools (sometimes called playgroups): Pre-schools are run during term-times and offer sessions between school hours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; normally between 9am and 3pm.

Children are usually able to start between the ages of two and three (depending on the group) and can keep attending until they start school.

Most pre-schools will offer short sessions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mornings or afternoons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to help ease your child out of the home and into a sociable childcare setting. Each group will have a good variety of toys and activities and an outdoor area.

Typical costs for pre-schools are between ÂŁ5 and ÂŁ10 for a two to three hour session. Some groups may offer extended care at an additional cost. You might be asked to contribute fruit or a few pounds each week to help buy provisions, such as art materials and snacks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pre-schools are lovely places to be,â&#x20AC;? says Debbie Jones, deputy manager of Mainstone Preschool. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I find it so rewarding to see the change in the children as they grow and develop. They come to us at two years old and stay with us until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready for school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m terrible when they leave. I get so emotional. My kids are aged 16 and 18 so I tend to see more of the children here than I do my own. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard not to get attached.â&#x20AC;?

Debbie says the one-to-one care offered is important to help children make the transition from home to a school environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We get them into a lovely little routine. They learn about being independent and when they can play and when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to sit down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s any bad behaviour, we try to tackle it. Of course, some children are a bit tearful when they start but usually within about half-an-hour or so, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re off playing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great training for school.â&#x20AC;?

Day nurseries: The key differences here are hours, age and

cost. Day nurseries operate all year round and can run from 7am until 6pm, to provide childcare for working parents.

Many day nurseries accommodate children from 0 to 11 years old and the cost per day can be anything from ÂŁ35 up to ÂŁ70. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a working parent, a day nursery will provide better â&#x20AC;&#x153;wrap aroundâ&#x20AC;? care than a pre-school, simply because they are open longer and more often.

Kerri Petch, owner of Kenleys Day Nursery in

Plymstock says children there can enjoy a swimming pool, petsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; corner and cookery classes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The children here have a brilliant time,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much for them to do. I was a lawyer before I became the owner of the nursery and I just love the job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the fact that you get to change a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. You give them lots of different ideas and skills and then send them off to school. We work really closely with the parents to make sure their child is getting the best from the nursery.â&#x20AC;?

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Nursery schools (not to be confused with day nurseries): Nursery schools are often more formal in the way they structure the sessions and are sometimes attached to a primary school.

They are able to take children from the age of three and try to provide an introduction to primary education. Some have different intake periods, depending on your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age and how many sessions they will be attending for.

Most parents use a school nursery as a stepping-stone from pre-school to school, or from home to school.

Places at these nurseries are usually covered by the early years entitlement funding.

GENERAL FACTS AND FIGURES â&#x2014;? 16 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centres across Plymouth

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â&#x2014;? 20 nursery classes

â&#x2014;? 24 accredited childminders â&#x2014;? 194 childminders â&#x2014;? 2 nursery schools

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â&#x2014;? 6 historic parks and gardens

PAGE 9 Tuesday February 11 2014

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Kids just love a little â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wild timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x2013; Getting your kids back to nature for just half an hour a day, every day, will leave them instantly happier and healthier..

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S fun, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re surrounded by it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yet increasing numbers of children arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spending any time playing outside in the wild.

Research has found only ten per cent of modern kids play in woodlands and countryside, compared to 40 per cent a generation ago.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sad figure, but thankfully, a newly-formed group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wild Network â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have decided to do something about it.

The Wild Network, formed of more than 370 organisations including the National Trust, RSPB, the Scouts Association and the Woodland Trust, have joined together to launch a new campaign calling for more â&#x20AC;&#x153;wild timeâ&#x20AC;? for every child, every day.

Initially, they are just suggesting that children under 12 swap 30 minutes of screen time for an extra half an hour of wild time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which can be as easy as stepping into the back garden to play â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every day.

Andy Simpson, chairman of the Wild Network, says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;With many more parents becoming concerned about the dominance of screen time in their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives, and growing scientific evidence that a decline in active time is bad news for the health and happiness of our children, we all need to promote nature. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want parents to see what this magical wonder-product does for their kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; development, independence and creativity, by giving wild time a go.â&#x20AC;?

While day nurseries and pre-schools encourage outdoor activities, parents can also get involved as Plymouth is home to more than 28 parks and there are also dozens of secret gardens and open spaces to explore.

Some are off the beaten track, but others are probably just down your road â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just that you may not have noticed them before.

Here are a few you could try: â&#x2013; Moor View Park, just off Mutley Plain As its name suggests, this hidden gem boasts some stunning views over Dartmoor.

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have thought that just yards from the drone of traffic and chaos of Mutley Plain, you could sit and have a sandwich in peace?

The pocket-sized park has had a ÂŁ33,000

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

makeover and boasts paths, a sensory garden, a noughts and crosses game for kids and even a stage. â&#x2013; Cumberland Gardens, near Cumberland Road, Devonport This is another patch of peace and quiet that has had an upgrade.

Before the changes, blink and you would have missed it. Now the gardens have been opened up a bit more to passers-by and have been made more attractive to residents and people passing through this historic area of Plymouth. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a spot for a picnic, new paving and some public art. â&#x2013; Glenholt play area, near Woodford Road This park is often quiet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all the more reason to visit with the kids. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just had a super-duper wooden look-out tower installed, plus a sizeable sand-pit, see-saw and swings. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all eco-friendly too. â&#x2013; Woodland Wood, Whitleigh This is classed as a local nature reserve and is teeming with wildlife and bugs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; opposite hundreds of houses. The lucky people of Bodmin Road, Whitleigh, look right out on to this picturesque green scene. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not lucky enough to see it out of your front window, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely worth a trip across the city.

It covers 29 hectares, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of space to walk, play and explore. â&#x2013; Limetree Road swings, Peverell Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fooled by the title â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is more than just swings. Nestled behind a wall off Weston Park Road and Limetree Road is this lovely patch of greenery. There is plenty of scope for hide-andseek and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enough space to kick a football around. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a slide that doubles as a pirate ship (apparently). â&#x2013; Mount Wise Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve recovered from the excitement of the three (free) outdoor swimming pools here, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually a lovely place to relax and enjoy the views across the River Tamar and Plymouth Sound.

The highest point of the park has been home to Mount Wise House, Mount Wise Fort, Mount Wise Signalling Station and since 1998, a circular viewing platform offering 360-degree views.

Wild time can be as easy as going into the back garden to play every day

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Moor View Park is just off Mutley Plain â&#x2013; Forder Valley, near Leigham and Estover This is another local nature reserve that you might have missed. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pond-dipping platform, picnic table and some â&#x20AC;&#x153;naturalâ&#x20AC;? play equipment. â&#x2013; Burrow Hill, Plymstock This ancient mound commands some of the best views in the city and is a great place for a picnic and a game of Frisbee. The hill, and the road leading up to it, take their name from the Bronze Age burial mound that sits on top of it.

GREAT RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES ON A BUDGET: Plymouth Play Association â&#x20AC;&#x201C; http://www.plymouthplay.org/ Stepping Stones to Nature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.plymouth.gov.uk/steppingstones Hundreds of fun free events across the city for families â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for more information visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/whatson.htm or www.visitplymouth.co.uk

Early Years in association with Plymouth City Council

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Tuesday February 11 2014 PAGE 10

Listening, learning & understanding

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Spirit of fun and learning for all children ■ Local Early Learning providers have the experience and facilities to meet the requirements of your child...

■ LITTLE SAINTS PRE-SCHOOL Little Saints Pre-school, established in 1977 and based in Estover on Plymbridge Road, is perfectly placed to offer flexible childcare to families living across north Plymouth.

Manager, Alison Jesty, said: “We pride ourselves on being a small, friendly pre-school with a real family feel. Our staff are long serving and passionate about providing safe, high quality childcare and our smaller session sizes allow us to get to know our children and families really well.

“Our recent Ofsted report stated that our children have lots of fun and enjoy pre-school; consequently, they make good progress in their learning and development.”

Please contact us to arrange a visit or free trial session for your child.

■ BUMBLEBEES DAY NURSERY Bumblebees is a children’s day nursery in Woolwell, Plymouth and is owned and run by a family team. Since opening the setting seven years ago, husband and wife Jamie and Gemma Whittington have worked hard developing the nursery and building its reputation.

Each year we have undertaken a variety of projects within the nursery to create the best environment we can for the children who attend.

The project for 2013 was to develop the main garden. We spoke to the children initially and asked them for ideas on what they wanted to see in the garden.

Working carefully with their ideas in mind we were able to create a den making area, a figure of eight bike track and bikes, a physical area incorporating a climbing mound, slide and crawl tunnel, a sand and digging area, a water area constructed from natural materials including a pump which the children can operate themselves, a gardening zone and a woodland “story hide” in which the children can enjoy outside story time in all weathers.

Bumblebees Day Nursery is here to stay and we look forward to the continued development of the setting for many years to come.

■ ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSERY Are you looking for childcare which gives you convenience, security, and peace of mind? Come and visit Alexandra House Nursery, offering you full day and sessional care all year round.

It was recently Ofsted rated as good in all areas of provision.

Ofsted said in December 2013: “Children enjoy their time in a well organised and attractive nursery as they independently access and interesting range of learning opportunities” We offer your child a happy, safe and caring environment where your child can thrive and grow in confidence.

Our families are important to us. It can be a difficult time to leave your child in nursery for the first time so we work together with you to give your child the best start in life, helping them to be secure, settled and valued here.

A parent said: “I really couldn’t ask for a better care provider for my precious children.”

We invite you to visit Alexandra House Nursery to consider us for your childcare needs.

■ THE CABIN CHILDCARE CENTRES The qualified teams at The Cabin Childcare Centres recognise that in the first few years of

Having fun and learning too at Little Saints Pre-School, above, while left, it’s one-to-one at Alexandra House Nursery, and below, the facilities at Bumblebees Day Nursery

life a child’s brain is developing at its fastest.

Experiences offered to young children have a big impact on their future learning at school and in later life.

This is why we are constantly striving to ensure we are offering a stimulating learning environment, where children are safe and secure with adults supporting their needs.

Find us at the YMCA, Honicknowle Lane and at Bere Alston, Yelverton.

■ MARINE ACADEMY PRIMARY Marine Academy Primary (MAP2) has had a fantastic start, and now even more children can come and be part of its continued success.

Due to increased demand we’ve opened up our brand new primary school to children in Reception, Years 1, 2 and 3.

All our children benefit from unrivalled opportunities, 21st century facilities and a curriculum to make MAP2 one of the best primary schools in Plymouth.

Don’t forget our fabulous nursery. We have a specialist babies area and offer after-school clubs, too. MAP offers everything you would want for your child.

■ MAINSTONE PRE-SCHOOL Mainstone Pre-school is a well-established preschool run by committed, experienced and longstanding staff. The aims of the pre-school are to: enhance development and education of children in a community based group; provide a safe, secure and stimulating indoor and outdoor environment; work within a framework which ensures equality of opportunity for all children and their families.

We offer care for children aged between 2-5 years, with government funding available for three year olds from the term following their third birthday. We also offer places for Me2Funding, the new government funding for two year olds. We recognise the importance of a good parent partnership and work alongside the parents/carers to best nurture the children’s needs.

■ LITTLE NIPPERS At Little Nippers we provide a caring, friendly and healthy environment for the children in our care. Our premises have been entirely refurbished to create a home from home in which your child can play, explore and learn.

We are open from 7am to 6pm, 51 weeks a year for children aged 0-five; we offer sibling discounts and are flexible in tailoring hours to your needs. Ofsted reported that our children are happy, safe and secure in the setting. We are committed to including and helping every child to thrive and use Makaton signing throughout the nursery. Our highly-qualified staff includes a primary teacher and early years professional.

Children have daily access to covered outdoor play and learning areas and a large, newly landscaped garden. Inside we have a sensory room, ball pools and provide a range of nutritious food.

■ BAMBINOS CHILDCARE CENTRES Bambinos Childcare Centres have been providing outstanding childcare for the past 19 years in Plymouth. As professionals, parents and carers we all want the best for children in our care.

Bambinos is committed to providing quality childcare and education for all children from 0five years as well as after school and holiday clubs for children of five-11 years.

We offer a highly secure, happy and stimulating environment where independence, selfconfidence, consideration for others and good manners are encouraged.

Our settings enjoy sensory and imaginative play areas indoors and out where children are able to thrive and achieve. Children’s wholistic development is complimented by our commitment to adopting a healthy lifestyle in keeping active and eating a varied nutritious diet.

We are committed to safeguarding all children and we place the safety, welfare and development of your child as our number one priority above all other considerations.

■ NATIONAL CHILDBIRTH TRUST (NCT) Do you want to make new friends? Why not come along to our Bumps and Babes groups or open houses.

These are small, friendly, local groups giving new parents and parents to be the chance to meet regularly, socialise and gain support from new friends.

We also run regular Mums and Bumps nights out and member’s nights in.

Need a new challenge? Want to be involved with a national charity, get involved with your local NCT committee or lend a hand at our next Nearly New Sale where you’ll find high-quality baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment at bargain prices.

■ STOKE DAMEREL PRE-SCHOOL SDP provides high quality, affordable and inclusive care for all our pre-school children aged two to four years. We provide a wide range of activities in a safe, secure and happy environment staffed by a qualified and dedicated team.

We provide healthy snacks that deliver the nutritional, special dietary and cultural needs of all our children. We meet all the regulations laid out by OFSTED national standards and other relevant legislation. We are nationally recognised for the excellence of our service by the National Pre-School Alliance. Stoke Damerel Pre-school will work in partnership with children, parents and the community to ensure the rights and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life.

Our setting is committed to anti-discriminatory practice to promote equality of opportunity and valuing diversity for all children and families. The care, social and emotional well being and development of our children are at the heart of SDP’s service to the community.

■ KENLEYS DAY NURSERY Kenleys Day Nursery was bought by a husband and wife team in 2011 who were tired of their child being in a typical nursery environment.

They wanted something different, something vibrant and exciting where children could develop.

When they bought Kenleys they immediately offered their children (and children who do not attend the nursery) swimming lessons; they have an activity co-ordinator who does dance, drama and sport with children of all ages; they also have a pets corner; home cooked food, including meals made by the children, trips out in the community and a “family” feel to the nursery with high quality, friendly staff.

PAGE 11 Tuesday February 11 2014

Early Years in association with Plymouth City Council

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Listening, learning & understanding

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Easing a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path to school

by CLAIRE JONES THE transition from nursery to primary can be an exciting but daunting leap for a child, and for their parents. The step is a big change for children educationally and emotionally.

The time dedicated to learning increases, the nature of work being undertaken changes and children are expected to take all this in their stride while also coping with a new environment and new faces.

The nursery to primary school transition is a vitally important time in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and should happen without any hindrance to their learning.

There are a number of schools around the city that aim to look after children on the same campus from nursery to primary school.

Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School and Nursery, based on Hartley Road in Mannamead, was established in 1989 and moved to its current premises in 1991 when a nursery unit was established enabling children to start as babies and to carry on their education until the age of 11.

The school and nursery aim to create a family friendly environment based on Christian ethos.

Headteacher Jane Lee said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Throughout the years children who have gone all the way through have felt secure, safe and at home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their learning has been enhanced by being in the same environment as we are able to track their progress on an individual basis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can offer an effective transition from our 0 to three unit into our foundation stage and again at the crucial point of entering in the reception at compulsory school age. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We found this is a natural progression and this means the children are often working at higher levels than expected for their age and also benefit from a wide variety of experience both inside and outside of the classroom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These benefits are noticeable in our particular small school environment where we are able to meet childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual needs but may not be so effective in a larger setting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the years we have found that children leave us confident of their own particular skills and abilities ready to meet the new challenges in the years ahead.

Learning through play at Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School and Nursery, based on Hartley Road in Mannamead, above and left â&#x20AC;&#x153;Next year Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will celebrate 25 years of quality education that was acknowledged in our recent outstanding inspection report. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have just been awarded the Silver award for Healthy Eating and now work in partnership with Plymouth University.â&#x20AC;?

Plaistow Hill Infants School, based in Roman Way in St Budeaux, also has an all-through approach to teaching and learning.

Headteacher Fiona Hazeel said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The nursery staff know the children and their families well and can effectively liaise with the foundation stage teachers so there is a seamless journey between the two classes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The nursery staff are able to prepare the children well for this important transition and as a result the children make a flying start to school which continues into Year 1 and 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition to the scheduled pre-school visits the children are able to spend additional time in the Foundation Stage classrooms prior to starting school.â&#x20AC;?

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