In the baby unit we have up to nine babies cared for by three highly trained staff whose aim will be to follow the home routine of each baby as closely as possible. The staff aim to provide a variety of stimulating activities in a caring and friendly environment in order to promote the babies all round development. Weather permitting the staff will take the babies out for walks each day so that they get as much fresh air as possible. Each babies day will be recorded in a diary for the parents to view on a daily basis. Your baby will stay in the baby room until they are steady on their feet, usually about fourteen months, when after discussion with you they will be introduced to the adventures of the Tweenie Room. Parents are required to provide wipes, nappies, milk, food etc. to ensure continuity between home and nursery.
This is a large brightly coloured separate room where up to twelve children are cared for under the supervision of experienced staff (staff ratio 1:3) and where a range of toys and activities are provided for the continuing development of your child. The children have a separate cosy sleeproom and nappy changing area.
The period in the Tweenie Room provides a smooth transition to the toddler/pre-school stage by adopting a more challenging and varied approach to the day. This will include such activities as painting, sand and water play, music, climbing etc. Each day weather permitting the children will spent time outside either in the garden or a local park. Each child's day is recorded in a diary so you know exactly what they have been up to.
When the children turn two, following discussion with yourself and your child's key worker they will move through to the toddler room. Here they will have a more structured day and a much greater choice of arts and crafts, construction activities and table top games etc. They will be introduced to numbers and colours and will also enjoy regular visits to the park, and library. The children will also use a separate room for early computer fun, dancing or group time.
At about three year old after discussion with yourself and your child's key worker children move into the purpose built pre-school unit. This has a separate language and literacy area (including computers). In this area of the nursery our aim is to provide a warm caring and secure environment. However in addition to this we see our role here to prepare the children for school. Whilst the child is still very young and requires plenty of opportunity to play freely, emphasis is placed on learning through structured play. This is carried out through small groups of five. The child will experiment with arts and crafts, spend time in the book corner, home corner (role play), cooking, singing and dancing to name but a few activities.
By the time the children are ready to leave the nursery to make the move to school most are able to recognise and write their own name and demonstrate good observational skills. They also have some preliminary reading skills, good pencil control, creative skills and a knowledge of numbers. Furthermore our aim is that they should leave with a basic understanding of a variety of life forms, common materials and their properties.
Happitots Day Nurseries, 145 Swinton Road, Swinton, Glasgow G69 6DW
Telephone 0141-771-2836