PlayAway Day Nursery has been owned and managed by Funcare since 2006.
Our Baby Rooms occupy the first floor of the nursery where the flexibility of different areas allows us to cater for each baby's individual needs. A smaller quiet room is used for the younger and less mobile babies with stimulating toys and equipment. The larger room gives more space for movement and finding their feet, for activities such as messy play which enables them to learn through their senses. A peaceful and relaxing sleep room is available for those babies who require a quiet area for sleep during the day. In addition we also offer a unique sensory room which provides different lighting effects, music and a range of textures and sounds to engage and stimulate our younger children.
We endeavour to work closely with you to ensure that we follow your baby's own routine with regards to sleep patterns, feeding times, comforters and any special requirements. Each baby has a daily sheet with a description of their routine for that day which you are free to take home with you.
"Children develop a strong bond with their key person and staff ensure that childrens needs are met by their allocated key person, for example, nappy changing and feeding. " PlayAway OFSTED 2009
The Toddler Rooms offer a smooth transition from our baby rooms, with children moving on when they are ready, at any stage from 18 months. In these rooms, the children begin to explore a wider range of activities such as dressing up & role play, baking and an introduction to arts and crafts, whilst still giving the children the opportunity to follow their routines for eating and sleeping. The children can select and choose play, in rooms organized to offer choice with areas for different activities such as our comfy reading area. The rooms are arranged in two areas, one of which has been designed to have permanent open access to an outside area.
More independence is gradually encouraged for example sitting at the table for meals and access to drinks as and when they wish.
"Staff interact skilfully with the children and support their learning well. High priority is given to promoting children's personal, social and emotional development and this is apparent in the calm and kind way children behave. For example, they willingly share resources, take turns and tidy away after themselves." PlayAway OFSTED 2009
The toddler staff team will work closely alongside you and your child when you feel they are ready to start toilet training.
Our Pre-School Rooms are arranged in two areas, one large open plan room which offers a base for the pre-school, providing daily access to their own computer, mark making, reading area and free access to a variety of toys. Each morning the children gather together for circle time to share their experiences discuss aspects of their day's activities and their current topic.
Our second room is used for small groups to do messy and creative activities working within the topic area and it also provides a dining room for meal times.
Activities are planned following each individual child's needs to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and learning is strongly based through play. As we are a registered pre-school, from the term after a child's third birthday we can claim Early Years Funding on your behalf. This is available for up to five sessions per week. This means that your child does not have to join a school in order to benefit from their 'free' 2 1/2 hour session each day. The funding is deducted from fees on a monthly basis. More details are available on request.
"Children's development is fully supported by staff who motivate them to become active and independent learners. The attractive child-centred environment both indoors and outdoors draws children in and immediately captivates them so that they want to stay, play and explore." PlayAway OFSTED 2009
