My Setting
Hygge in the Early Years Accredited
Hygge in the early years principles include:
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Providing a calm, warm and cosy, inviting and safe environment- a home from home environment.
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The environment is a purposeful learning environment that provides curiosity and intrigue - environment is a 3rd teacher.
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Resources are freely accessible including real life resources and natural resources.
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Thinking about bringing nature in and embracing the outdoors.
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Ensuring that children have a sense of belonging and community.
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Child led learning.
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‘Every child is an artist’
I ensure that my continuous provision provides varied resources that suit the ages and stages of each child attending and cover all the areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, for example, opportunities for creative play, construction, role play, small world, sensory, maths, mark making, reading, musical instruments, singing, dancing, loose parts and open ended play. When rotating resources and setting up activities I take into account the children’s currents interests to extend and enhance their learning. I also think about provoking interests or exploration, for example, having a set up around a particular book, season or interest.
Plastic Free Nursery status
We are currently working through the Surfers Against Sewage plastic free nursery award. The children have enjoyed being single use plastic detectives. I'm so proud they have completely embraced litter picking. Which is now something we do often when we go out for walks, they excitedly ask if we an take the litter pickers. The children have also gained a greater understanding of the connection this all has to looking after the planet, oceans and animals.
Setting
I predominantly use the downstairs of my house but upstairs may be used for sleeping children as required. Rooms available are the porch/entrance hall, downstairs toilet, kitchen, L-shaped lounge, a large conservatory and the garden. The garden is fully enclosed with a decking area and lawn area for children to play on.
Children can access a wide range of toys and resources suitable for their own ages and abilities. I'm always looking out for new resources that will enhance children's learning opportunities, including authentic items, resources linked to nature, loose parts, natural resources, high quality books, resources that are multicultural, diverse and challenging stereotypes.
We have a bimonthly under 3 year old's book subscription. The books relate to nature and come with a song, sign and activity booklet. The children have learnt new songs, some BSL signs and enjoyed various activities that are related to the book. I share the activity booklet with parents, so that you can join in the fun too.
Southill is a lovely area; local to us is a play park, shops, green spaces, cycle path walk, Radipole Nature Reserve and Trees and Sees forest school playgroup. Our local church also holds a toddler group on Thursday morning's. I drive so we can access other areas and facilities, I often buy family passes for local attractions.
Opening hours
Food and drink
I do not provide lunches, please bring a packed lunch or meal for me to heat up. Breakfast can be provided as required, before 8.30 (at a small additional charge). Snacks are provided at no extra cost. Values of healthy eating and healthy lifestyle will be followed with children in my care. I will encourage children to choose healthy options and to experiment by trying new foods from other cultures. Treats will be saved for special occasions. Parents are encouraged that when supplying lunchboxes for their children that they are balanced and healthy. Fresh drinking water will be available for the children to access throughout the day. I will ensure that children get to be active and play outside every day.I have a strict no smoking, alcohol or other illegal substances policy; there are no smokers in my family and I will not allow any smoking or alcohol consumption by anyone on my premises indoors or out.
7:30-17:30 Monday to Friday
Although I can offer childcare outside of these times if you wish, please inquire.
Term time only, school holidays only or full time, flexible to meet your needs
Fees
£4.60 per hour
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Breakfast provided at 50p per child if required (can bring your own)
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Closed Bank holidays
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Everyday outings will be at no extra cost. However, if we go on a day trip out I may ask for the entrance fee or some spending money. I would give prior notice with details and I would require parental written permission.
See my Fees Policy for more detailed information.
News letters updated
Extending from hand over catch ups, I also have a parents Whats App group were I post weekly updates on what we have been up to and share photos and information. We have so far found this an improvement from me sending news letters home every now and then.
Helen's Home From Home
Registered Childminder
