About Our School
With parents as partners, we at Old Sarum Nursery aim to prepare our children
not only for school but the wider world. Read an overview of the nursery here.
Philosophy
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Children learn with their whole bodies and with all of their senses; children learn because they want to, and we at Old Sarum Nursery nurture that desire. Play is a more familiar way of communicating than talking, especially for young children and through play we not only encourage children to communicate but also develop social skills and independence.
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We challenge our children to explore their world confidently, safe in the knowledge that it is okay to take risks and make mistakes, whether that is their first tentative steps on a scooter or counting to 20 and beyond.
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The nursery aims to:
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Provide a safe and stimulating environment;
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Work along with parents and carers in helping their child along their learning journey;
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Individually plan, monitor and assess development;
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Encourage children to be healthy;
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Work with multi-agencies to achieve the best in life for children;
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Provide a happy work environment and a rewarding career for staff .
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Set-Up
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We operate from two adjacent sites: a dedicated suite inside the premises of Old Sarum Primary School, and a suite of rooms at Old Sarum Community Centre opposite the school. Two-year-olds and early three-year-olds are based at the community centre site, and three- to five-year-olds at the school site.
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On both sites, your child will benefit from a thoughtfully structured day which will guide your child through the Early Years Foundation Stage. We will provide a holistic, hands-on approach to activities to ensure they have a wide and varied curriculum covering the seven areas of development:
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Personal, Social & Emotional Development
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Communication, Language
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Physical Development
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Mathematics
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Literacy
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Understanding the World
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Expressive Arts & Design
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In partnership with the primary school we will offer the children French and cooking activities.
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Key Persons
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Each child is allocated a key person with whom as far as possible they will remain throughout their time at Old Sarum Nursery. This will enable your child to settle more quickly into their new surroundings.
Your child’s key person will also be able to give you some useful advice on easing the transition from home to nursery; this can include making sure they have their favourite teddy to you as a parent taking advantage of our open-door policy.
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Communication
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We have a termly newsletter to keep you up-to-date with information and events that will enable you to continue and support your child’s learning at home. We also hold regular parents meetings where you can come and chat in more detail about your child’s progress. We use Tapestry online learning journal so you can log in and see how your child’s developing. Our open-door policy means you can chat at any time.
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Meals
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Your child can bring a healthy lunch box to pre-school or take advantage of a cooked meal from the main school, please inquire for more information. Due to allergies we ask that children do not bring any products containing nuts.
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Clothing
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Required:
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A change of clothing
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Wellington boots
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Waterproof clothing
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Sun cream and a hat during summer
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Children love to play in the outside learning environment. If you do not wish your child’s clothes to become muddy we recommend the purchase of an all-in-one suit. We also recommend buying a school T-shirt as it saves your child’s clothes and gives them a sense of belonging. Please also name all your child's clothing.
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Opening Times
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Old Sarum Nursery is open from 8am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and school holidays.
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Fee Structure
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15 hours free entitlement funding is available for all 3- to 5-year-olds at the school site and we are now offering the 30 free hours for some working families. We accept two-year-olds funded by the Better 2gether scheme at the Community Centre Nursery.
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2-3-year-olds (£5.30 per hour)
Morning session, 8.30am-11.30am - £15.90
Afternoon session, 11.30am-2.30pm - £15.90
Late session, 2.30pm-3.00pm - £5.30
Full day, 8.30am-2.30pm - £37.10
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3-4-year-olds (£5.00 per hour)
Morning session, 8.30am-11.30am - £15.00
Afternoon session, 11.30am-2.30pm - £15.00
Late session, 2.30pm-3.00pm - £5.00
Full day, 8.30am-3.00pm - £35.00
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All ages
Breakfast club (8am-8.30am): £4.00
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We also ask for a contribution for snack of 50p per snack/session and £1 for high tea.
Statements are issued monthly, but various payment options are available to suit your needs.
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Policies
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Old Sarum Nursery has strict policies covering every aspect of your child’s health and welfare. These are stated in full on our Policies and Parent Contract pages of this site. Details of these policies updated on a regular basis.
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In addition, there is a code of practice for all staff relating to personal appearance and conduct. As well as gaining early years qualifications, staff regularly attend training to keep them up to date, as recommended by Ofsted and our Bristol Standards.
Mission Statement
Old Sarum Nursery is dedicated to the community and every child’s right to good quality, affordable education and childcare, delivered in a way that enriches and empowers them regardless of race, colour and ability.
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Our Purpose: to support and educate local children and their families.
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Our Business: to educate, respect, train, support and create childcare which families need.
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Our Values: to help each child succeed and fulfil their potential and ensure families are supported and empowered.