Frequently Asked Questions
How will Honey Pots support my child’s learning and development?
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We use a variety of approaches when creating opportunities for the children to learn. At Honey Pots we use a key worker system that is common throughout the childcare industry, this enables one individual member of staff to create close bonds and form a solid understanding of a child’s development whilst they share their time with us, we also find that this system allows staff to identify any additional needs that may need to be investigated.
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The member of staff will be responsible for generating observations, capturing learning, cross referencing others evidence about that child and creating a profile of that child to eventually hand over to the desired school/setting. The staff members then will plan activities and themed areas for the children to learn and play in to help engage them further in their environment and further their learning based upon their interests.
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From these assessments we can create next step targets, mould learning opportunities to that child’s interests and targets areas that may require more input. We use an online assessment tool called Tapestry that is well known throughout childcare settings and schools. This tool enables us to upload videos, pictures and assessments that can be viewed remotely by parents/carers who can also upload their own observations and comments.
Do you provide any support if I have concerns about a child’s development?
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At Honey Pots we have extensive experience and have been providing care for children since 2004, we also pride ourselves on being able to provide adaptive care for children with additional needs. We work closely with outside agencies and WSCC on a regular basis allowing us to have access to current pathways and intervention services available to parents/carers who require our help.
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If we have any concerns our first port of call is to liaise with parents/carers to discuss the nature of our concerns, we will then work closely with the child’s family to come to a solution or plan that is comfortable for them and the child. We offer support and guidance if you have any concerns about a child’s progress.
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We have an onsite member of staff who is also dedicated to referrals and keeps up to date with any current practices or theories shared within the childcare industry, this person has a deeper understanding of support pathways and is a main point of contact for staff and parents/carers if they have any concerns they wish to share.
This person will work closely with the parents/carers and the child’s key worker to formulate a plan to provide the correct support systems for the child.
Do you plan trips/outings?
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We do provide the opportunity for trips and outings during nursery hours, we will notify parents/carers in advance of the trip. The trip will be risk assessed and all of the relevant policies and procedures will be followed to ensure the children’s safety at all times. If your child is unable to attend for any reason, please discuss your situation or concerns with a member of the team.
How will the early years setting prepare and support my child to join the early years setting transfer to a new setting/school?
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Before your child starts at the nursery we would arrange ‘warm up sessions’ so that your child can become acquainted with the environment and the staff. This is staged in conjunction with the parents/carers initially then we taper the sessions to allow the child to explore the setting independently.
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When the time comes for the children to transition to a local school, we carry out activities that are relevant to school life and help prepare them for the step up to “Big School!”.
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We have group discussions surrounding the children’s feelings towards moving on to school, as well as the expectations the children have and how school life may be different to the nursery environment.
The teacher may visit the children in the setting prior to their arrival at school, in that time your child will have had the chance to meet their teacher easing the transition to school. Your child’s learning journal will be passed onto the school to aid the teacher in understanding the children before they attend school.
How are parents involved in the early years setting?
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When your child starts, we ask parents/carers to complete an ‘All about me’ profile which provides us with information on your child’s favourite things at home, special relationships, routines, communication, feelings and other important information you would like to tell us about your child.
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During your time with us at Honey Pots we also encourage parents to use our assessment tool ‘Tapestry’. This online learning journal allows parents to view, comment and submit their own observations as well as sharing any special experiences or milestones the children make. This can be accessed via a tablet, mobile phone and computer. You will be set up with a login once your child has been set up with a profile.
Once a term we have parents/carers day, during the day we invite parents/carers to visit the nursery at their own convenience. We feel the chance for parents/carers to share this time with the children is key and helps create a deeper understanding of how we work as a setting, more importantly it provides the children with a chance to share their day with those at home.
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We also conduct an end of year parents/carers evening, these run the same as the school consolation evenings. This gives us an opportunity to meet face to face, discuss any concerns, share any achievements and create a better rapport between ourselves and those caring for the children at home.