Aims

 

At Puddleducks we will aim to:

  1. provide a safe, secure and caring environment where your child is free to grow and develop at their own pace through active learning, sensitively guided by our Montessori teachers.
  2. follow the Montessori principles of encouraging freedom of choice, independence, and self-discipline.
  3. foster good social relationships between all members of the nursery, thus encouraging empathy for others, care of the environment, and ultimately preparing your child for school and beyond.
  4. follow the Montessori and Foundation Stage curricula and provide additional activities.
  5. provide a staff:pupil ratio of 1:6.
  6. ensure that the service provided by Puddleducks is a high quality one and that being a member of Puddleducks is an enjoyable and beneficial experience for each child and his/her parents. Our policies and procedures help to make this possible.

Admission Policy and Procedure

 

We accept children from 2 years for enrolment and younger children for our waiting list. We believe that in order to benefit from the full Montessori experience, a child should attend for a minimum of 3 sessions per week. We are however flexible on this point, particularly with regard to younger children.

 

In order to secure a place for your child, you will need to complete and sign a Registration Form and return it to our correspondence address with a deposit of £50.00. This deposit will be deducted from the first half term's fees. If your child does not start at Puddleducks, the deposit is non-refundable.

 

Before your child starts at Puddleducks, you will both be invited to come to the Nursery for a meeting with the staff and your child's key person. This will enable your child to become familiar with the classroom and will also be a good opportunity for your key person to find out more about your child's interests and needs. Your child's key person will work with you and your child throughout your child's time at Puddleducks.

 

Government Funding

 

Puddleducks are registered to accept the Nursery Education Grant for 3 and 4 year olds. This grant commences the term after a child's third birthday.

 

Parental Participation

 

At Puddleducks, we recognise that as parents, you are the first and most important educators of your child. We welcome fathers and mothers, other relations and carers to share any special interests or hobbies with the children. Exchanging knowledge about your child's needs, activities, interests and progress with staff is of the utmost importance and we are always available to speak to you at the beginning/end of each session or to arrange a meeting. More formal parent and teacher meetings will be held on a regular basis to discuss your child's progress.

 

Clothing

 

We have school sweatshirts, polo shirts and T-shirts available for you to purchase. All other clothing should be suitable enough to allow your child to participate fully in all activities however messy!