We recognise that the first three years of life are an extraordinary time that sets the stage for the years to follow. We use the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators along with the Pre-Birth to Three core principles and the Realising the Ambition guidance to underpin our aim which is to provide all children with a safe and secure environment in which to develop. As children under the age of three require very different levels of support during their earliest stages of learning, it is vital for their welfare that the focus is on their care, their routines, and their freedom to make choices and move around.
Our baby room is well resourced, and the bright airy environment creates a wealth of experiences for young inquisitive minds. We provide experiences which encourage building relationships and developing senses, this can often involve getting quite messy. We provide sensory activities such as sand, water, shaving foam, gloop, painting and many more experiences. We have ‘treasure baskets and boxes’ filled with various textured items, fabrics, bottles, rattles, shakers, etc. As children become more mobile staff place items slightly out of reach to encourage movement and dexterity. All resources are age and stage related, reflecting the interests of each child thus enabling them to play and learn happily and confidently. We also allow the children to self-select. We promote good physical development through the use of climbing frames, dancing and lots of outdoor play.
We have a separate quiet room for our babies to sleep and each child has their own designated cot and individual bedding. We also have a comfortable chair and privacy for mothers who may wish to breastfeed.
The staff working with the children under three provide a variety of experiences which will stimulate each child and enhance their learning. All children will have a Learning Journey which will document their nursery life and development. These are available for parents to see at any time. These can be shared, and opportunities made available to discuss each individual child’s learning on a regular basis throughout the year.
Our children have regular access to a sensory area. This is a specially designed space, which allows children to enjoy a wide range of sensory experiences. We create a variety of environments, which focus on one or more of the senses through sound, lighting, tactile effects, and music, creating a relaxing and fun space in which to explore and experiment.
We operate on a staff / child ratio of 1:3 for our under 2-year-olds and 1:5 for 2-3 year old’s. When you collect your child from our baby room, you will be given a daily sheet, which outlines:
How much they have had to drink and what they have eaten.
How many nappies they have used and their condition.
If and how long your child has slept throughout the day.
The learning opportunities and experiences that they have enjoyed participating in.
Staff will always be on hand to help you with your child and their belongings.
Our Toddler Room provides opportunities to promote independence skills during our nursery day with a great choice of learning opportunities including arts and crafts, construction activities, tabletop games and much more. We introduce early numeracy and literacy skills and experiences designed to develop your child’s communication skills.
Each day children spend time outside in our play areas or local community as well as picnics in the park and visits to local landmarks.
During your child’s time in our Toddler Room, we will aim to provide them with a wide range of experiences and opportunities to develop their confidence, ready for their transition to our 3-5 room. We operate on a staff / child ratio of 1:5 for 2–3-year old’s and 1:8 for children 3 and above.
Our facilities incorporate Early learning and childcare for children from 3 – 5 years. Early years education is fun but in fun there is learning – if the environment is correct.
We have a wide range of opportunities available, including role-play, water and sand play, creative play, baking, arts and crafts and many more. These experiences allow children to learn through play in an exciting and enjoyable way. Our staff provide stimulating learning challenges which are responsive to children’s interests. The layout of our 3-5 room allows children to choose their own learning opportunities which encourages choice and promotes curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Within this area of the nursery, we use the Curriculum for Excellence. This provides the best start for our pre-school children so that they can make a seamless transition when the time comes to move on to primary school. Young children learn quite naturally through play. At The Bridges, we intend to stretch young minds and imagination.
In the final stages prior to starting school, we seek to work in partnership with families and primary schools in order that each child’s transition to school is seamless and positive. Primary 1 is an extension of nursery and encourages a play-based approach with varying strategies used to help children learn and develop.