The ethos behind Bolton Nursery's wrap around childcare and Early Years provision.

Nursery Ethos

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Bolton nursery was re-established 1994 by a group of parents who wanted their children to have a good preschooling. At the start it was a mothers and toddlers group but by 1998 Bolton nursery was thriving and offering three nursery grant sessions per week. Bolton nursery has gone from strength to strength, supported by our experienced staff, the enthusiasm and commitment of a strong committee and a dedicated group of parents. Attendance is open to all children regardless of geographical location.

Learning Through Play

Play is at the heart of all development and learning for young children and this is when they learn at their highest level. Our well designed nursery building and resources help children to develop in all areas of learning. We carefully choose our play equipment to stimulate children's natural curiousity and imagination. In our outside play area we have a pirate ship, climbing wall, climbing frame, musical instruments, seating areas and a playhouse.

children on prirate ship

Treasure Baskets (Babies)/ Heuristic Play (Toddlers)

There is a lot of evidence to show that when babies and young children are given brightly coloured plastic toys to play with, there is very little for them to explore and discover. They are only briefly interested in each toy, which can mean that they are soon bored and do not have the chance to develop their concentration span. Treasure basket/heuristic play allows babies and toddlers to investigate and explore a variety of everday objects such as wooden spoons, natural sponges, cardboard tubes, plastic bottles, fabrics etc. Children are fascinated by what objects can and cannot do as well as their texture, shape, colour and flexibility. Because these resources are open-ended children can investigate them in their own way. child washing doll

Role Play

In our role play areas the nursery children can carry out activities based on their personal experiences past and present. We have dressing up clothes as well as a specific role-play area. Through role play children explore their developing understanding of the world such as cooking at home or posting a letter. They play and develop their knowledge along with other children and adults. It builds self-esteem, confidence, co-operation skills and gives them the chance to re-enact their past experiences.

Mark Making

Children's scribblings and drawings are their way of communicating and showing observation of their world. We make pictures in sand, cornflour and playdough as well as pencils, chalk and felt-tip pens and we often go outside to make our marks on the playground floor! This is an excellent way to develop children's fine motor and early writing skills.

child playing with playdough

Blocks

All babies and children have access to construction activities which include mini-blocks for tiny hands and larger blocks for our 2-5 year olds. Block play helps your child with concepts such as design, balance and building. It can also be used to support story telling and role play, develop mathematical skills and allow children to act out their ideas. Our construction areas also include farm and wild animals, people and vehicles to extend play experiences.

How Our Staff Support Learning

Our nursery staff provide fun, support and education. They will work to ensure your child develops as an individual with age-appropriate learning through discovery and enjoyment.

Children learn best when adults are keen to continue their own learning and development. All our childcare staff are qualified to Level 3 or above and so have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of current childcare theory and practice. The have the skills and enthusiasm to observe, encourage and plan for your child's continued learning.

Key Person Approach
In the nursery each child has a key worker and this helps to encourage a warm, caring and positive relationship between adult and child. This approach helps children feel secure and cared-for as they become familar with the nursery environment. Key workers offer security, reassurance and continuity and they will usually be the one to feed, change and soothe your child. They are in the best position to understand your child's individual needs and share information with ou about our child's experiences in nursery. The key worker helps each of their children to develop relationships with other members of staff and children. They will observe them in their play so that the can plan future opportunities and experiences that best meet the child's needs and interests.

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