About the Nursery

To ensure your child has everything they need at nursery, we ask all parents to supply a clearly named bag for nursery containing the following : 

Water Bottle: Please provide a named water bottle each session for your child to have access to at all times. (We do have a water jug available but a child’s own bottle does encourage them to drink more) We also provide milk or water at snack times and lunch time as well. Please encourage your child to drink water rather than squash where possible.

Weather appropriate clothing: 

• A waterproof coat  

• Wellington boots (These can stay at nursery or be brought to each session) 

• Warm hat and gloves in Winter and Summer hat in Summer 

• Dress for Mess! Our children have lots of sensory play activities and creative activities to join in with – please dress your child for mess so that they can enjoy these activities to the fullest. We do provide aprons but children can be in the sensory/messy areas without an apron and are likely to get splashes and dabs on their clothes. Dressing for mess allows children to fully explore. As they get older we encourage self-care and independence. 

• Spare clothes: At least 2 tops and 3 pairs of underwear, socks and bottoms if your child is toilet training. It is useful for all children to bring a spare set of clothes in case of getting wet/muddy etc and needing changing. 

• Nappies/Pull-ups, Wipes and Cream: A supply of nappies/pull ups is essential and you may bring your own wipes/cotton wool if a particular brand is preferred. If you wish for nappy cream to be applied please provide a named pot/tube that can be kept at nursery or in your child’s bag. 

• Sun cream: In the summer we ask for all children to arrive at the nursery with sun cream already applied and if they are staying for a full day session we ask for a named bottle to stay at the nursery to allow it to be reapplied in the afternoon.

• Please try to keep other personal items at home. Our classrooms are filled with fun and exciting activities and we don’t want personal, precious toys or items to be lost or broken. (Stourview Academy cannot be held responsible for any personal items that are lost or damaged.)

• (Each child will have their own peg to store personal items)

Lunchtime

Each child attending an all-day or afternoon sessions will require a healthy packed lunch. It is advisable that any item within your child’s lunchbox should not pose a choking hazard, e.g. grapes and cherry tomatoes should be cut in half. 

Alternatively you may choose to purchase your child a school meal. If a school meal is required this must be ordered and paid for (£2.50 per day) in advance in their Arbor account. (Please note that school meals cannot be ordered on the day in the school office or classroom.)

Children sit at a table and eat together to develop their social skills and use cutlery to develop their motor skills. Each group of children is supported by a member of the nursery staff. The whole school has “family style dining” as research shows there are developmental benefits to children of all ages of this style of eating. 

Children with a range of allergies are catered for. If your child has allergies or other dietary needs parents will be offered the opportunity to meet with the nursery team to discuss these in detail.

Snacks

A selection of fruit or healthy snacks are served. Please be aware that Stourview Academy is a 'nut free' school, children do not need to bring snacks so please do not send any snacks or put food in your child's bag.  

Uniform

Stourview Academy uniform is optional for children that attend Stourview Academy Nursery. (Details can be found on the school’s website.)

Jewellery

Watches, small stud earrings or religious items required by the child’s faith may be worn. No other items of jewellery are allowed.

Personal hygiene

As children grow and develop they become increasingly independent and confident in everyday tasks such as toileting and hand washing. If your child will be joining us in nursery, please encourage and nurture this independence by offering them encouragement and showing them what to do. If your child is experiencing toileting issues please ensure that you let us know as we can offer you some helpful tips and ideas to help you.

Medication

We are only able to dispense prescribed medication (not anything bought ‘over the counter'.) We are unable to administer eye or ear drops. We therefore ask for your cooperation in only requesting our assistance if you are unable to administer the medication yourself, or if it is vital to be given during the school day.

Stourview Academy Nursery cannot undertake to administer medicines unless a signed and completed consent form (obtained from the nursery class teacher or school office) is received from the parents along with the medication and a spoon. This should be left with the nursery class teacher and they will administer the dose. The bottle will need to be collected at the end of the nursery day.

Illness 

Stourview Academy Nursery does not have any medical facilities and parents are therefore requested not to send children to nursery if they are unwell, have a high temperature or have not fully recovered from an illness.

In the event of a child being taken ill whilst at nursery, the parent or carer will be contacted and asked to collect the child from the nursery as soon as possible. A child should not return to nursery following sickness or diarrhoea until at least 48 hours have passed since the last incidence. If your child has a rash your local pharmacist may be able to help diagnose it and recommend any treatment.

Further guidance on other childhood illnesses can be found on the NHS website www.nhs.uk

Absence

If your child is going to be absent or late for an agreed session, please contact the school by phone (01206 484227) or email (nursery@stourview.academy) before 8.45am on each day.

If the school has not been contacted then we will telephone the parent/carer to find out the reason for absence. 

Communication

If you would like to speak with your child’s class teacher or keyworker, you are welcome to chat with them briefly when dropping off or collecting your child. If you need a more in depth chat, please either phone the school office on 01206 484227 or email nursery@stourview.academy and an appointment can be made to meet.

Arbor

On joining the nursery you will be sent a login for an Arbor account. This online platform is used to send you texts and emails, as well as making payments and giving consent for trips etc. Please activate your account and keep contact details up to date so that you do not miss any important messages from the school.

Website

www.stourview.academy

Information on all aspects of the school and nursery can be found on the school’s website, including term dates, policies, etc. The website is updated regularly.

Newsletter

Stourview Academy sends out a weekly newsletter to all parents via Arbor email. It is also posted on the website too. Please make sure that you read this each week so that your child doesn’t miss out on any activities or events.