Great consideration is given to the planning of both our indoor and outdoor facilities to ensure that your child gets the most out of their time at Hedgerows’.

Each room has been specifically designed and equipped to meet the varied developmental needs of the children for whose age group the room has been designated. Each room offers space for play and quiet relaxation.

We have on site parking for staff and visitors.

We cater for 28 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years on a full or part time basis. Additionally we offer out-of-school-hours care for older children.

Our opening times are 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Hedgerows’ have a number of support facilities including our kitchen, laundry area, reception area, office and staff room.

The Day

The daily routine is flexible but is focused around the children’s needs and requirements on that particular day. There are a number of things we do on a daily basis that won’t fluctuate; register time, snack time, mealtimes, and quiet time (for those children that need it). There are activities throughout the day either child chosen or adult led that cater for children’s individual needs promoting their physical and emotional development. There is also always a focused activity for the day.

Security

The nursery garden is enclosed by a perimeter fence with gateways that are fitted with secure locks. The garden is checked by a member of staff before any child goes outdoors.

A fire system and emergency lighting have been fitted. Regular fire drills are carried out with children and staff.

Only authorised persons can gain access to the building and surrounding outdoor areas. Parents/carers will be required to sign their children in and out of the building.

As part of your child’s application you will be requested to complete a section detailing persons authorised to collect your child from the nursery. If someone new is collecting your child on a particular day we ask you to fill out a slip with details of the person and also a memorable word that can be used by that person and the nursery.

All adults working at Hedgerows’ undergo checks with the Criminal Records Bureau to protect your child fully.

Members of staff at Hedgerow can be recognised by their Hedgerows’ uniform. They also wear a name badge.

Key Persons

Hedgerows’ operate a key persons system. This means that after each child is settled in they will be assigned a member of staff who will be their key person. Your child’s key person will be the person who works with you to ensure that the care we provide is right for your child’s particular needs and interests. Your child’s key person will help them settle in and will provide stability and continuity of care throughout your child’s time at Hedgerows’.

Outdoors

Our recently developed outdoor area acts as an extension to our indoor facilities. It is a very important part of our setting that allows children to explore safely. We have incorporated areas into the garden for growing vegetables and plants and investigating wildlife. We also have ‘nursery pets’ including chickens, goats and a guinea pig. Children help staff with feeding, collecting eggs and ‘walking’ the animals. Your child will learn how to be environmentally friendly with our compost heap, recycling bins, water butt and other conservation procedures. The outdoor classroom provides a room surrounded by the outdoors where children can learn about the outdoors and the wildlife that make it their home. Part of the outdoor area is covered in a safety surface that ensures children can use the area freely but safely. The outdoor area is a very important part of Hedgerows’ and is a resource that staff uses to the maximum.

Special Needs

As part of Hedgerows’ policy to make sure that our setting meets the needs of each individual child we take account of any special needs a child may have. Hedgerows’ meets the requirements of the Special Education Needs Code of Practise. Staff attend regular SEN training courses to update and refresh their knowledge and skills.