1. Does the nursery have a welcoming, happy and cheerful atmosphere – are the children and the carers having fun?

2. Are the children happy and settled? Does the person showing you around know the children? Do the children want to chat with you or the person showing you around?

3. Are child carers sitting with and interacting with the children or with each other?

4. Do the premises and equipment look clean but used? (Perfect equipment has not been used by children! Any experienced parent will tell you that an environment where children are active and enjoying themselves will NEVER be pristine!)

5. Do the children have opportunities to learn, explore and have fun in a natural environment outdoors? (Children need to learn about their world and so outdoor play environments should give them opportunities to explore mud, sand, leaves, grass, and build, run and jump. A ready made road and climbing frame isn’t nearly as challenging as crates, planks and den building equipment.

You can download this list from our funcare website here.

If you have any more questions, we’d be happy to answer them and show you around our lovely nurseries.

National Childbirth Trust

As well as taking a stall at the recent National Childbirth Trust Nearly New Sale, we will also be showcasing our nurseries at the forthcoming morning at Winkies in Knaresborough.

The event will run from 9:30am-12:30pm and for only £4 per adult families can come along and get free play at Winkies, sample activities with their children, including French for Fidgets, Enjoy-a-ball, Singamajigs and Baby Ballet. Every adult will be given a goody bag with the NCT out and about guide inside.

Welcome to our November Newsletter. We’ve got so much to tell you!

Important Dates:

1. Parents Evening : Wednesday 18th November 6.30 - 8.30. Have you booked your time slot?

christmas bells

2. Christmas Party : Wednesday 16th December Babies and Toddlers 10.30 - 12.30, Pre-school 2.30 - 4.30. *if your child does not attend that day, you are welcome to bring them along, but you will have to stay with them due to staffing ratios and numbers

3. Nursery Nativity Play : Friday 18th  December, Christ Church, 2.00pm. Everyone welcome!! A nursery video will be take that can be purchased. Parents are welcome to take photographs of their child.

4. Christmas Card Orders : must be in by November 25th. Sorry no late orders accepted.

5. Children in Need : We are regular supporters of this worthy charity. This year we are having a pyjama and bring a bear day!!! Friday 20th November

6. Christmas and New Year Times : please note that we will be open from 7am - 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Please ask for a form when you come to see us next, so that we know who will be in nursery between Christmas and new year, and return it to us as soon as possible. Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your family.

7. Good luck to the staff team for 27th November at the National Nursery Awards! In our eyes you are all winners regardless of the result.

8. Employee of the month for September is Sue, for always going the extra mile. For October, the winner is Mira, for her wonderful meals, helping everyone out and being patient. Goodbye Katrina, we will miss you stacks as you move back to Woodlands. You have been a star! Welcome to Sam! We are so glad that you are now with us full time in the baby room.