Childcare

Babies (3 months – 12 months)

Our baby rooms are designed to create a warm and homely feel and are furnished with soft chairs and comfy cushions. Each baby room is resourced with a variety of play equipment designed for sensory stimulation. The daily routine within the Baby Unit is tailored around the individual needs of the children and activities are blended to create a careful balance between stimulating discovery play through treasure baskets and quieter times using songs, finger rhymes, music and tapes, when babies are soothed and cuddled ready to snuggle and sleep.

The Birth to Three Matters Framework provides guidance and challenge for all those involved in the care of young babies and children. It recognises that the child is the focus and identifies four aspects which are:

• A strong child    
• A skilful communicator
• A competent learner  
• A healthy child

This Framework underpins all aspects of each child’s day. Each of the age groups have their own daily routines which are explained in detail during a visit to the Nursery. At this time, each Team Leader and Nursery Manager show how the rooms within each age group are arranged to support the daily routine. Every child has their own portfolio which begins when they start at Nursery and is a unique record of their time at Play Away. This includes their Developmental Records and for Pre-schoolers, their Record of Achievement and this folder is used by the Nursery staff as the basis of meetings to discuss your child’s progress with you.