Do you play outdoors ?

At Acorn Park we aim to have all of our children outdoors everyday whatever the weather. Being outdoors is proven to positively effect self esteem, physical health, learning and language skills which is why we place such importance on our outdoor environment. When we are out and about exploring our local area safety is paramount, which is why we insist on a ratio of one adult to every two children. For our babies exploring outdoors we have staff facing double prams which not only allow our little ones to feel safe and secure but help foster attachments. In addition to exploring our local community we have to access private garden and to our own courtyard gardens to the front and rear of our building. We’re also developing our own allotment garden.

What is your policy on wellbeing ?

The happiness and wellbeing of our children and families is our priority. We have always said if our children are happy, well cared for and nurtured they will learn. Our environment is a calm one, offering comfort and responsive care. From our smallest babies to our oldest children you will see adults who support your little ones play and learning by providing love, affection and plenty of cuddles. We have two fun and enjoyable wellbeing programmes for all of our children that support relationships, foster resilience, compassion, empathy and understanding. For our babies and toddlers we have ‘Wiggle, Giggle, Hug and Tickle’ and for our older children PATHs (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies). 

How does enrolment work ?

When you enrol your little one at Acorn Park you are welcomed into our family. New parents have the opportunity to meet other families prior to starting at Acorn Park with an invitation to join our New Parents Group. We offer free extended settling visits for all of our children, allowing you and your little one the opportunity to get to know our caring staff as well as becoming familiar with our environment and routines. Parents stay with their child for the first week of settling and during the second week you are invited to leave your little one for longer periods of time. Parents are welcome to stay in the building and head upstairs to our parents room for a coffee and/or access our hot desking facilities. That way if your little one is upset you are nearby.

What’s you healthy eating policy ?

Our meals and snacks are carefully planned to provide the children with a nutritious and well balanced diet. We regularly review the meals through monitoring the children's comments and likes and dislikes. Each meal is planned to provide a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vegetables and fruit. A vegetarian meal is available each day and we can provide separate meals for most dietary requirements including dairy and gluten free. Milk and water are offered throughout the day.

Do you look after teeth ?

We are very proud to be a “Smile Too Nursery”. All of our babies and children, from the appearance of their first tooth, take part in tooth brushing. The staff assist and teach the children to brush correctly.  This is an NHS initiative, all our staff are trained.

Is it ok to breastfeed ?

Of course! We are a “Breastfeeding Friendly Nursery”. This is also an NHS initiative. All mums are more than welcome to feed their babies in the nursery and if they would like a quiet place to do so we are more than happy to accommodate.

What do you provide ?

At Acorn Park we include everything within your fee to make it as easy as possible for you to manage the transition from home to nursery. All you have to provide is a change of clothes for your little one. We provide nappies, toiletries, a healthy nutritious lunch and a variety of healthy snacks including fresh fruit and vegetables. Extra activities such as Yoga, Music and Enjoy-a-ball are also included in your monthly fee.

What sports are included ?

Enjoy-a-ball run by George Barr is an award winning sports coaching class with the aim for all children to develop their confidence and skills in sports. The classes are action packed, fun filled and designed to nurture your child’s abilities and confidence. Our little ones learn fundamental movement, co-ordination, balance skills, throwing, catching, kicking and jumping agility alongside life skills such as independence, social interaction and concentration.

I hear you do Yoga ?

Our Yoga classes run by Sophie are exciting, engaging and relaxing. Each week Sophie takes our children on a different adventure; sometimes zooming through space, stomping through the jungle or even swimming under the sea as they explore traditional yoga postures. Yoga benefits our little ones hugely; not only are they fun but they enhance concentration, boost confidence, relax the mind and increase balance and flexibility.

What’s “Wiggle, Giggle, Hug and Tickle” ?

In 2016 we met  with Fiona Brownlee (one of our grandparents) and her colleague Lindsay Norris to discuss working together to bring Wiggle, Giggle, Hug and Tickle to Acorn Park. Wiggle, Giggle, Hug and Tickle is a play led attachment programme which allows both parents and carers to become more attuned to their little ones needs.  It is proven to aid emotional, social and cognitive development in younger children and babies. After a 6 month trial programme supported by Fiona Brownlee, we now run weekly Wiggle, Giggle, Hug and Tickle sessions for our babies and younger children. Our sessions have proven themselves to be a fun and valuable resource for developing secure and positive attachments between our staff and children. Each session allows our little ones to engage in singing, movement activities and sensory play in a fun, engaging and playful way.

How can I keep up with my child’s progress ?

Acorn Park hosts an open evening twice a year where we can discuss your little ones progress, likes and dislikes and development. These evenings also give us the opportunity to gain valuable feedback from our families and are a great opportunity to involve them in self evaluation and policy review. We aim to include parents in all aspects of the Nursery and Kindergarten, developing strong and lasting relationships with each and every parent and child. We often have children and families return to us to visit many years after they have moved on.

We also communicate with all parents through the use of meetings, newsletters, email, questionnaires and notice boards. Most importantly staff discuss all aspects of your child's day. Every baby and child has a progress and achievement folder which can be taken home and shared with all the family. This will become a record of your child's days at nursery and a wonderful memento of your child’s early years.

At Acorn Park we have an open door policy and parents are welcome to drop in at anytime for a coffee and a chat. We also invite our Parents to a ‘Help us to improve session’ each term. We value your feedback and very much enjoy working with our Parents to ensure we are offering the very best early learning and childcare.

Anything else I should know ?

Staff are trained annually in First Aid and Fire Training as well as many others courses. Some courses are of interest to parents and we will of course inform you when these are taking place. We regularly host parent training evenings such as First Aid. Music workshops are arranged on a regular basis on a Saturday morning, allowing parents to attend with their baby or child. These are always enjoyed by all who attend.

In December we hold our annual Christmas Concert, where every child in the Kindergarten has a role to play. Afterwards refreshments are served and everyone has a chance for some festive socialising with our wonderful team.