WELFARE OF THE CHILDREN

 Forbury Gardens Day Nursery
Emphasis is placed on a homely atmosphere particularly in the youngest baby area. The nursery is sensitive to the needs of the new parents as well as the child, especially during a potentially difficult settling period. Good liaison with the staff at this time is essential. Key workers take responsibility for several individual children and a bond is encouraged, but it is also important for the children's development and socialisation that they respond well to other members of staff.

TRANSITION
Children ideally move on when they are developmentally ready. Thought and care is taken with transition between the groups :
 
Chicks 3 - 12 months (approx.)
Ducklings 12 - 18 months (approx.)
Goslings 18 - 24 months (approx.)
Moorhens 2 years  - 3years 9 months (approx.)
Cygnets 2 years 9 months - 3 years 6 months (approx.)
Swans 3 years 6 months - 5 years (approx.)
 
Short regular visits are made prior to starting in a new area of the nursery. It is sometimes possible for children to transfer in pairs.
There is good scope for continued contact between staff and children. Although there are virtually self contained areas within the main rooms for the varying age groups, the nursery is generally envisaged as a whole, creating flexibility and integration between areas, shared staff and resources.

ROUTINES
Each room has their own routine and plan of activities which are displayed on notice boards for parents to view.

SLEEP
There is provision for all children to rest during the day. Sleeping arrangements are always discussed with parents.
  For babies of under approximately 18 months travel cots and separate sleeping rooms are provided.
  Children 18 months to 3 years usually sleep after lunch, on sleep mats.
  Children 3 to 5 years have a quiet time appropriate to their needs.

MEALS
The nursery has a large kitchen where our food is freshly prepared by an experienced cook.
This has an area set aside as a milk kitchen specifically for the preparation of feeds for babies. Parents of bottle fed babies are requested to bring milk formula where our trained qualified staff will ensure maximum hygiene in its preparation.
Although the nursery is health conscious, practical considerations have to be met when catering for large numbers of children. Children are encouraged to eat well balanced, nutritious meals. We offer an exceptionally wide range of fresh vegetables and fruit. A menu for babies and older children is displayed. Special drinks or food may at times need to be brought by parents. This might include: birthday cakes and party food. Occasionally children prepare and cook some food themselves.
NO BEEF OR NUTS ARE USED IN ANY DISHES AT THE NURSERY
Allergies and specific dietary requirements can be catered for if previously discussed with the Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager. Young babies have a diet appropriate to their specific needs which contains NO salt, sugar or unnecessary additives.
Staff are asked to encourage children to relax whilst eating and to respect children's speed of eating. Children are encouraged to enjoy mealtimes as social occasions, using good table manners and sensible behaviour. In Swans, children participate in waiting on the other children at their tables.
Babies are given their bottles at their parents request or according to their individual needs, not at set times.

EQUIPMENT
Toys and equipment are carefully chosen to be age appropriate and safe. There are plenty, which are rotated to discourage over familiarity, therefore it is unnecessary for children to bring in toys or other valuables from home. We cannot accept responsibility for any personal possessions brought into the nursery from home.