The Starfish Room - Ages Birth to One
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Nursery Philosophy
It is important for babies to feel comfortable in their environment. Therefore, our aim is to create a secure and home-like atmosphere while maintaining a high quality of care.
Through consistency and open communication, staff endeavour to maintain familiar routines and involve families in their programme. This is to help parents feel confident in leaving their children in our care.
Routines are an intricate part of a baby’s day and will be used as opportunities for one to one and to expand their growing awareness of others. High standards of hygiene and safety will be maintained by staff at all times.
Our programme is focused on the individual needs of the babies in our care. Through regular observations, carers become aware of each child’s interests and stage of development. Using this knowledge and our understanding of infant development, staff are able to provide appropriate experiences to further stimulate all areas of development (cognitive, language, physical, social and emotional ). This will give the babies the time and space needed to explore their world.
Nursery staff will, at all times, strive to ensure equality and respect for all the families who share our Centre and to promote the diversity of cultures that they bring with them. It is our hope that all will feel comfortable and welcome within the Nursery, regardless of culture, ability or social background.
General Information
Ratios: The Nursery caters for five children up to twelve months of age with one full-time carer.
Nursery Carers: The carer is Kate.
Relief carers are kept the same to help the babies feel comfortable and secure.
Meals
All bottles must be clearly labelled with the child’s name.
We ask that parent’s pre mix their child’s formula bottles before arriving at care.
The Centre provides the babies with a hot lunch and snacks throughout the day, drinks (milk and water are freely available).
The Nursery have a variety of vegetables everyday and a small amount of the day’s main dish (the menu is displayed above the sign in sheets). Stewed fruit can also be provided for morning and afternoon tea. If you would like your child to have breakfast or tea, this will have to be provided, including any milk and/or spreads.
Things Parents need to supply
If your baby is having bottles, they need to be provided by you.
All nappies, cloth or disposable are to be supplied by parents. If the carers run out of nappies for your child, the Centre will provide disposables at a charge of $ 0.50 per nappy used.
It is also advisable to pack a few changes of clothes.
Outside Time
On occasions we do venture outside, so it would be appreciated if parents could supply a hat (appropriate to the season) and shoes (if needed).
Sunscreen is supplied, yet if a special type is preferred it will need to be supplied by parents.
Medical Instruction Sheet
If your child requires medication whilst at the Centre, you will be required to fill out the medical Authorisation form ( located in the nursery). Please ensure that the form is filled in correctly, as we are unable to give the medication if there is an error ( please see the medication policy). Medications must not be left in the child’s bag, please leave them at the office or with a carer who will place them away appropriately.
Daily Information Sheet
At the end of each day you will receive an information sheet where you will be able to check how your child’s day has gone. This provides you with the information regarding sleeping, eating, experiences, and drinks/bottles.
Programme Planning
Once a fortnight, the carer spends two hours planning for the children - this is referred to as programme planning. Programme planning involves a plan between parents and carers to determine children's individual interests, skills and emerging abilities. Informal chats about children’s development and care play a large role in planning.
The Carer parental input and observations of children are used to plan a programme of experiences which will best assist the enjoyment and development of the child whilst in care. The plan is displayed in the room for parents to view and to make comments. Each child has an individual file, which contains all observations and planning. Parents are welcome to read their child’s file - simply ask the room carer.
Communication Book
A communication book is located next to the sign in sheets. If the main room carer is not here when you arrive and you wish to leave a message do not hesitate to do so.
Transition to next age group
As your child gets older carers will start to introduce he/she to to the next room (Rainbowfish). This is done through visits with a carer or a visit by themselves for a few hours at a time this is for your child to get use to the new surroundings. Your room carer will discuss this with you before the visits happen and you are given a form that informs you that visits will start to happen when possible(if you have any concerns please see room carer or director).
CONTACT US
You can contact us on 03 6344 9993 during business hours, or email us at childcare@pedderpatter.org.au.