http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/93/535e5391beef611487ae5d585442c7_160x200.jpg <p>A non-refundable deposit of £20.00 is required before we can place a child’s name on our waiting list.<br> Half a terms fees are payable in advance of admission.<br> Half a terms notice is required in writing before a child is withdrawn and all fees are to be paid in full.<br> A copy of our Policies and Procedures is available for inspection by parents at any time.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/conditions_of_acceptance~3580302/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/conditions_of_acceptance~3580302/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:54:09 +0100 <p>If you would like further information on either of our Little Tots Nurseries please contact either:<br> Julie Torrible<br> Heather Schofield</p> <p>0118 9831554<br> 0118 9833818<br> 07931 807021<br> <a href="mailto:little.tots@virgin.net">little.tots@virgin.net</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/contact_us~3580300/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/contact_us~3580300/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:53:45 +0100 <p>Little Tots provides a drink mid morning of milk or juice, plus a snack consisting of fruit and biscuits. We ask every parent to provide each child with a spare set of indoor clothes and also outdoor clothes suitable for the season.The nurseries offer care each weekday during school terms. A lunch time club is also offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.<br> A registration form must be completed giving all contact details and health information relating to your child.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/general_information~3580291/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/general_information~3580291/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:51:49 +0100 <p>All staff have been vetted by the necessary police departments and the majority hold a childcare qualification equivalent to National Vocational Qualifications level 3 or above. We operate an appraisal review system for each member of staff and an ongoing training programme is in place to further their knowledge and skills. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/our_staff~3580290/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/our_staff~3580290/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:51:26 +0100 <p>The nursery has a good partnership with it’s parents and carers and they are all made very welcome. We always keep our parents up to date with the current themes that the children are learning about, and information about the nursery by way of a newsletter. These themes and weekly plans are all displayed on the parent’s notice board for all to see. We encourage the parents to involve themselves in their child’s learning by contributing items for themes, by undertaking work at home and sharing their own expertise with all the children. Little Tots have regular parents evenings and an open door policy for parents to discuss their child’s progress at any time. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/a_partnership_with_our_parents~3580289/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/a_partnership_with_our_parents~3580289/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:51:03 +0100 <p>Overton recreation centre’s main room is light and airy with low windows allowing children to look out over the playing fields. We have immediate access to a safe enclosed grass area for children to play and learn in, with it’s own small garden. The room is divided into different areas of learning with creative activities available every day including painting, collage, sewing, flower arranging and play-dough. During the course of the morning children ‘work’ as individuals, in small groups and whole group activities, for music, gym, project and science based activities.During our group activities we have been out for walks, visited the local green grocer to look at and buy fruit and vegetables, which we then cooked or pre-pared for break. Floating and sinking experiments produced some unexpected results which we were able to record. Planting seeds and watching them grow is enjoyed by all the children who are then responsible for the upkeep of our garden.<br> “Children’s behaviour is exemplary. They know what is expected of them and benefit from the good role models provided by the staff”<br> “The leadership and management is outstanding. The success of the setting is the strong relationship between the owner and manager.” Ofsted Nov 2005.<br> After only 11 months our Ofsted inspection resulted in an overall ‘Good’ with 3 areas outstanding. A copy of this report is available.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/our_surroundings~3580288/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/our_surroundings~3580288/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:50:42 +0100 <p>“Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do. The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding. Children develop a dynamic attitude to their learning.” </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/ofsted_nov~3580282/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/ofsted_nov~3580282/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:49:22 +0100 <p>Little Tots aims to provide a fun, safe learning environment, full of opportunities for each and every child to gain social and academic skills whilst enjoying themselves. Also to prepare each individual child for the next step in his education. Children go on to a variety of schools within the area. Including state and independent schools. We have good contacts with those schools, and invite children’s next teacher to visit so that the progression to ‘big’ school can be a positive and smooth transition.</p> <p>We find that children who have had Montessori nursery education are confident, independent with good self-esteem and we endeavour to make sure they are well prepared in every area for this next step in their education.<br> The Montessori Method of teaching encourages children to develop at their own pace and to gain skills such as independence and concentration and problem solving which are essential life skills and will help them continue making good progress through the rest of their education.<br> Each term a topic is planned in which we follow the early learning goals. We cater for all children as individuals including those with special needs.<br> Our teaching method ensures that each child is never over-faced, by taking small steps at the child’s own pace and by building on previously learnt skills. We teach in a multi-sensory way with good quality materials and equipment. We take pride in every child’s work so they also learn to be pleased by their achievements and enjoy learning. Many children make outstanding progress in all areas.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/overton_s_aims_and_objectives~3580279/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/overton_s_aims_and_objectives~3580279/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:48:55 +0100 <p>Little Tots in Overton opened in January 2005 in Overton Recreation Centre in Bridge Street, Overton. Brenda Sampson, NNEB, Montessori Diploma, manages Little Tots in Overton. She has over 20 years experience of working within a Montessori setting, is a mother of two teenage children and has looked after many pre-school children, both professionally and privately. She understands the importance of choosing a child’s first educational setting with care and is particularly concerned about making this a happy and positive experience for every child and their family. We have an open door policy where parents are always welcome to come in and discuss their child with us. We produce a termly newsletter to keep parents involved with projects and Little Tots news.<br> “The partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the warm open welcome that families receive. Children develop good social skills and have a positive relationship with each other and the staff.” Ofsted Nov 2005.<br> All the staff at Little Tots have many years experience in working with and caring for young children. They understand the importance of children being happy and confident in their surroundings. Children come from many surrounding villages and towns including Whitchurch, Laverstoke, Hannington, Freefolk, Basingstoke and of course Overton</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/little_tots_nursery_overton~3580276/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/little_tots_nursery_overton~3580276/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:48:29 +0100 <p>Children develop good hand/eye co-ordination, spatial awareness, and gross motor skills through planned activities and everyday routines. They move confidently around the nursery environment and enjoy a wide range of activities both in and out of doors. They also allow each other personal space when sitting together or when lining up. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/physical_development~3580271/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/physical_development~3580271/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:47:56 +0100 <p>Children are given many opportunities to practice pre-maths skills through practical activities. They gain confidence in counting and have an understanding of addition and subtraction. They use mathematical ideas to solve problems and use comparative language such as big and little, heavy and light, less than, more than. They develop a good understanding of shapes, positions, patterns and sizes using appropriate language to describe these concepts. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/mathematical_development~3580270/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/mathematical_development~3580270/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:47:32 +0100 <p>Each term a theme will be covered to gain knowledge of our environment using books, practical objects and role play situations to increase the child’s knowledge.<br> The topics will be displayed in the hall and home involvement is encouraged.<br> “Children take part in a wide range of activities, which enable them to learn through first hand experiences. They are learning about their world, their environment and the sequence of events in their lives. They are confident when describing their own experiences and are learning about their own culture and country.” Ofsted Jan 2004.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/knowledge_and_understanding_of_the_world~3580267/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/knowledge_and_understanding_of_the_world~3580267/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:47:09 +0100 <p>Children listen to and respond to stories, joining in freely. The Montessori language skills method is used every day, giving the children opportunities to practice their pre-school reading skills, to link sounds and letters and to practice letter formation and independent writing. Children learn and understand that print carries meaning and use books accordingly.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/communication_language_and_literacy~3580262/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/communication_language_and_literacy~3580262/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:46:41 +0100 <p>Every child will be encouraged to show pride in themselves and their abilities. This in turn will provide a wealth of social skills enabling them to talk and express their own views and feelings on a one to one basis and within a group setting. This will be achieved in a variety of fun and interesting ways, using praise and encouragement, and so increasing each child’s independence, self-esteem and confidence.</p> <p>“Children are interested and motivated to learn. They have positive attitudes to each other and are keen to be involved in activities. They are confident, learning to take turns, work co-operatively, share fairly and to show consideration to others. Their behaviour is good and their self-esteem, confidence and independence is promoted by staff through praise, encouragement and support.” Ofsted Jan 2004.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/personal_social_and_emotional~3580259/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/personal_social_and_emotional~3580259/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:46:19 +0100 <p>We follow the early learning goals as a foundation for education within the nursery.<br> Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Communication, Language and Literacy. Knowledge and Understanding of the World. Mathematical Development. Physical Development.<br> Learning through play is a vital part of a child’s development. Each child learns through example as well as guidance in certain activities. Little Tots staff members are constantly alert to every child’s level of learning and actively help your child to achieve his or her goals. With the expert guidance from Little Tots staff, every child is ensured of reaching his or her highest potential.<br> At Little Tots we recognise that each child is an individual who progresses at his or her own pace. We focus on the elements essential to educational development, including language, the senses, mathematics, practical life, science, geography, art, music and cookery.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/the_curriculum~3580254/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/the_curriculum~3580254/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:45:52 +0100 <p>A Safe and Fun environment<br> Little Tots aims to provide a fun and safe environment, full of opportunities for each and every child to gain social and academic skills whilst enjoying themselves.<br> The environment created by the staff ensures that it is welcoming for both children and parents. The nursery room is divided into different areas providing a wide variety of activities for the children to choose from. The nursery is well resourced with age and stage appropriate toys and equipment, including those which promote practical life skills.<br> The halls in which Little Tots Nurseries are based have been inspected by Ofsted and fits all of its requirements for Health and Safety. Each child will be given space to develop physically and socially through a busy routine providing the child with the ability and scope to express their feelings in an active manner during musical movement, physical education, music and drama.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/aims_and_objectives_of_little_tots_nurse~3580251/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/aims_and_objectives_of_little_tots_nurse~3580251/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:45:24 +0100 <p>Maria Montessori stated that children have a natural tendency to learn, that stages of learning exist for which there should be corresponding education environments and appropriately trained teachers to prepare the environment. The child learns independently using the components of this environment and the teacher is the link between the child and the environment.<br> The learning environment cultivates individualisation, freedom of choice, concentration, independence, problem solving abilities, social interaction, disciplinary breadth and competency in basic skills.<br> In a true Montessori school, you will find independent children who not only do things for themselves but also think for themselves. You will find children who have learnt how to explore and solve problems for themselves.<br> And you will see small children helping each other and putting things away without being asked.<br> As children learn to read, write and count they also learn how to persevere, to accept guidance and to make choices. Through this learning process children develop a love for knowledge and discover their unique talents.<br> Little Tots recognises this, and guides your child with care through the crucial stages of his or her educational journey.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/the_montessori_approach~3580247/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/the_montessori_approach~3580247/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:44:55 +0100 <p>Maria Montessori lived from 1870 to 1952. She was the first woman to attend medical school and the first female Doctor of Medicine in Italy. Through her work with handicapped and socially deprived children, she developed her unique educational method, known as the Montessori Method. As a result of her further study, observation and experimentation, she found the principles of her method to be applicable to all children. She had a huge impact on the field of education in general and the way we understand and teach children today. Maria Montessori lived from 1870 to 1952. She was the first woman to attend medical school and the first female Doctor of Medicine in Italy. Through her work with handicapped and socially deprived children, she developed her unique educational method, known as the Montessori Method. As a result of her further study, observation and experimentation, she found the principles of her method to be applicable to all children. She had a huge impact on the field of education in general and the way we understand and teach children today.<br> There are so many misconceptions about Montessori<br> Some people say “That’s where the children are allowed to do exactly what they like.” Others say “It’s too rigid - the children have to work all the time and there’s no time to socialise.”<br> Montessori is neither of these. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/who_was_maria_montessori~3580240/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/who_was_maria_montessori~3580240/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:44:24 +0100 <p>“The provision is acceptable and is of high quality, children are making very good progress towards the early learning goals.”<br> The nursery incorporates Montessori teaching skills in its curriculum and receives support from the Early Years Development Team, pre-school Teacher Councillors and all Health Care Professionals working within the child care sector.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/ofsted~3580237/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/ofsted~3580237/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:43:25 +0100 <p>Little Tots Nursery has been established in the St Mary’s Parish Centre in the village of Burghfield since 2001. The nursery is open to any child in the community, with children attending not only from the village but travelling from surrounding areas such as Spencer’s Wood, Sulhampstead, Tilehurst, Mortimer, Pamber Heath, Beech Hill and Reading.<br> The nursery uses the Parish Hall as it’s main base room but also has access to other areas of the centre and the Church, with an outside play area in the churchyard.<br> The nursery supports children with Special Educational Needs and those for whom English is an additional language. All children over the age of three are eligible for nursery grant funding.<br> The nursery supports children with Special Educational Needs and those for whom English is an additional language. All children over the age of three are eligible for nursery grant funding.<br> The nursery has grown from strength to strength and now has a healthy waiting list. Little Tots Burghfield had it’s first Combined Ofsted Inspection in January 2004. The outcome of the Inspection stated:</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/little_tots_nursery_burghfield~3579468/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/little_tots_nursery_burghfield~3579468/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:53:38 +0100 <p>Heather Schofield is a qualified NNEB with 18 years experience and management in nurseries. She is also an NVQ Level3 Assessor, and a First Aid Trainer<br> Julie Torrible is a qualified Montessori Teacher with an NVQ Level 3 in Child Care and Early Years Education and is also a First Aider.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/about_us~3579463/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/about_us~3579463/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:53:04 +0100 <p>Little Tots was set up in the spring of 2001 by Julie Torrible and Heather Schofield who share a wealth of knowledge, a love of children and the same ideas of learning through play with guidance.<br> Choosing your child’s first program of education is one of the most important decisions you will face as a parent. Heather and Julie fully understand this as they are parents themselves.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/little_tots_nurseries~3579460/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://LittleTotsNurseries.blog.co.uk/2008/01/15/little_tots_nurseries~3579460/Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:52:27 +0100