Settling In
Before starting at Dawn to Dusk Day Nursery we recommend that your child attends settling in sessions as part of an Induction Process. Generally, this would begin a couple of weeks prior to the start date giving the child, parents and staff the opportunity to spend time together to get to know each other.
On the first visit we ask parents to complete a Care Plan and an ‘All About Me' form, which provides the staff information on the child’s routine, likes and dislikes. A bag will be requested for with a change of clothes, slippers and wellington boots and a named coat for your child.
During the day your child's key person will update our interactive portal 'Tapestry' with all the activities that your child has enjoyed, what your child has eaten and their general well-being throughout their day will us.
Sitters and Crawlers
Tis room is for 3 months old's to when the child is confidentially walking.
Our specially designed Baby Room is bright and airy and has an abundance of stimulating activities. There is a separate cot room, with individual cots and bedding. The babies enjoy sensory activities such as treasure baskets and malleable-messy activities to stimulate their senses. The Sitters and Crawlers room has been designed to be a comfortable. ‘Home from Home’, environment with a cosy feel whilst delivering all the areas of learning for a baby.
As our meals are prepared on site, all stages of the weaning process can be accommodated using fresh vegetables and fruit and the children sit together in a family group at meal times. Every effort is made to continue with routines established at home when babies first join us, but as they grow and develop meal times and ‘playtime's’ are sociable group activities.
The Key Person plans daily activities to extend the child's learning and development, relating to the Prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Movers and Cruisers
Ages: 12 Months - 18 Months
Movers and Cruisers remain in this room from the age of 12 months to 18 Months. However, as with all our rooms this is dependent on the development of the child rather than their age. Although this room is independent of the Sitters and Crawlers room they work closely together encouraging development and the ability for younger children to work with their peers. This also ensures a smooth and comfortable transition from the baby unit to the Movers and Cruisers room.
Movers and Cruisers are encouraged to adapt to a more structured routine once leaving the baby room, however, we will still accommodate individual child's needs according to their personal development.
Movers and Cruisers Room offers a wide range of activities which have been designed with close reference to the Prime Areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, whilst still ensuring their emotional well-being is catered for with lots of hugs and cuddles in our extended family environment.
As well as having access to their own room the children as also encouraged to take learning opportunities in our spacious garden.
Lower 2's
Ages: Age 18 months - 2 years
This room is designed for children between the ages of 18 months to 2 years, or dependant on the children's individual developmental stage.
With over 40 years combined experience of Dawn to Dusk we have established that the transitional changes from a toddler to a mature 2-year-old is quite a leap. To assist with this developmental stage, in 2015, we made the decision to introduce an addition room that catered for this transition.
This room offers a wide range of activities which have been designed with close reference and planning to the principles of the Primes Areas of Early Years Foundation Stage. In some areas of the planning the specific areas will be covered. As well as having access to their own room the children as also encouraged to take learning opportunities in our spacious garden.
Upper 2's
Ages: 2 years to 2.5/3 years
The staff in the Upper 2's room provide parents with a 2 year old progress grid, which is to be given to the health visitor at the child's 2½ year old check.
This room offers a wide range of activities which have been designed with close reference and planning to the principles of the Prime Areas of Early Years Foundation Stage. In some areas of the planning the specific areas will be covered.
As well as having access to their own room the children are also encouraged to take learning opportunities in our spacious garden.
Rising 3's
Age 2.5 to 3.5 years.
This room is for children aged 2½ years to 3½ years, we designed this room for the to help with their transition to Rising 4's. In this room the children have a wide range of stimulating activities covering all aspects of the EYFS.
In this room we work closing with parents to support the child's development of personal care eg "Potty Training"
Rising 4s
Ages:
Rising 4’s is the last room that your child with be in before the transition to school.
Rising 4's consists of a large indoor playroom, and a free flow area to an outdoor covered play area known as the decking for children. Our free flow area enables children to safely access both indoor and outdoor opportunities, allowing children to explore ranges of activities whilst enjoying the fresh air in all weathers.
Rising 4's offers a wide range of activities which have been designed with close reference to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Planning is created through observations on the child’s individual and group interests and relates to the 7 areas of learning.
We encourage children to be independent in this room, in preparation for their transitions to primary school. We liaise closely with the local primary schools ensuring a smooth transition.
