Hobbyhorse is a day nursery offering flexible childcare for up to 24 children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years. Set in a large bungalow close to the centre of Westbury the nursery offers a homely environment for the very young whilst toddlers and older children continue their great learning adventure with the support and security which is essential at this time. We all benefit from the enclosed garden which provides a safe and stimulating outdoor play area.
Hobbyhorse is open for 48 weeks a year from 8am - 6pm, closing over the Christmas period and for 2 weeks in the summer.
Hobbyhorse Day Nursery was set up by Philameano Walsh to help meet the growing need for childcare in Westbury and the surrounding area.
Nursery Manager, Kim Reynolds, is a qualified Norland Nursery Nurse, with a Norland Diploma and 20 years experience in childcare.
We aim to provide a warm, caring environment where children feel secure, happy and confident. We will encourage the children in our care to develop at their own pace, both socially and emotionally. Our pride is in the individuality of our children.
We have a six-place baby room, caring for babies from 3 months to 2 years. The room is staffed by two full time, qualified and experienced nursery nurses. Each baby is treated as an individual and is encouraged to develop at his or her own pace. Bonding with the baby at an early age helps to build confidence in preparation for the development of the many skills a baby will learn during this period.
Stimulation from this early age is vital and we provide a wide variety of experiences to encourage curiosity and the incentive to learn. Although the room is self contained and fully equipped to provide complete care, the babies will have the opportunity to interact with older children in the nursery further developing their social skills.
As we approach the second birthday regular visits will be made to the toddler room, allowing everyone to adjust and become familiar with the each other and with a changing routine. Thus making for a stress less transition.
Provision of care is on a very personal basis. Staff will work closely with parents to ensure they cater for each baby's individual needs, giving parents the confidence to leave their child in our care. This regular dialogue will be supported by a daily diary where parents and staff will learn together about baby's individual needs and development.
Milk, food and nappies will be provided by the nursery, if required, making attending nursery as uncomplicated as possible. Every attempt will be made to provide for special dietary requirements.
The nursery provides care for 8 children from the age of 2 years to 3 years. The adult/child ratio for this group is 1: 4 with a minimum of one qualified nursery nurse and a nursery assistant caring for the children.
We aim to create an atmosphere of security, happiness and well being for the toddlers as this is a pre-requisite for their successful learning. This is a time when the children will start to build relationships with each other and with other adults. It is crucial that the child's personal, social and emotional needs are met at this age.
The children will be given the opportunity to develop their independence whilst at the same time being given the support and help they still need. A variety of activities including art and crafts, books and role play will be available with an emphasis on encouraging children to make their own choices and decisions. Planning will be broad and flexible, led by each child's individual needs. The warm, caring atmosphere will encourage each child to confidently try out new experiences.
Staff will work closely with parents, drawing on the parents' knowledge of their own child to help plan and monitor each child's progress.
Hobbyhorse has places for 10 children aged 3 - 5 years. This group are cared for by a minimum of one qualified nursery nurse and a nursery assistant.
At Hobbyhorse we believe children learn best through actual experiences, to this end we work on the principle of 'learning through play'. A wide range of activities is provided and we encourage children to make independent decisions and choices. Our planning is project based, encouraging children to work towards the Early Learning Goals, as identified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. This is done within the Hobbyhorse framework of a caring, child centred environment. Children only learn if they are interested and stimulated and our planning is designed to make learning a fun and positive experience.
All planning is displayed on the Planning Notice Board located in the Messy Area. Staff are happy to discuss planning with parents at any time and will work closely with parents in planning the children's progress. Each child will have a profile kept of their achievements so far, together with plans for future development.
Nursery should be an enjoyable experience for every child. It is our aim to maintain and develop the enthusiasm and joy for learning shown by young children, encouraging confidence and a positive attitude to learning.
Hobbyhorse operates an open door policy, encouraging parents to come in to the nursery to discuss their child or to look at what the children have been doing.
A key worker system is in place where a specified member of staff will work closely with parents at all stages to ensure the best care possible for their child.
A diary is sent home every day with information on the child's day. Parents are encouraged to join the communication loop with comments and responses to key worker observations.
Regular parent evenings are held where parents can see what their child has been doing and discuss their child's progress with their key worker.
A balanced, cooked meal is provided at lunch times, with a lighter meal provided at teatime. Morning and afternoon snacks are also provided. We understand that some children may have particular dietary requirements and we will make every effort to accommodate these.
For children in the baby room, milk will be provided, with appropriate food once the child starts to be weaned.
We have a monthly menu, of balanced, nutritious child friendly dishes, which is reviewed regularly. A copy of the menu is displayed on the parents' notice board.
Most staff in the nursery are trained or are working towards a recognised childcare qualification. Some staff have trained at college on fulltime courses, whilst others have completed work-based training in the form of an NVQ. It is Hobbyhorse policy to ensure that a majority of staff hold a first aid certificate and, or the Basic Food Hygiene certificate.
Hobbyhorse is committed to encouraging staff to maintain their current skill base and to develop skills in new and evolving areas of child care. To this end there is an ongoing program of staff training and development.
Nursery Manager
Kim Reynolds NNEB, Norland Diploma
We have policies covering every aspect of your child's welfare and development. The policies and procedures file is reviewed regularly with updates implemented where appropriate. A copy of this file is kept by the parent's notice board for your inspection at any time. There is a Fire Safety Policy with regular fire practices taking place to ensure both staff and children are familiar with the routine. This is required by the Fire Officer.
Monday to Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm
Hobbyhorse will close over the Christmas/New Year period and on all Bank holidays.
Hobbyhorse will close for two weeks in August to allow for maintenance and staff training.
Fees are payable for 48 weeks per year.
A full government grant towards the cost of Pre-school education is available to parents of all four year olds and some three year olds. Details are available on request.
Fees are requested to be paid by Standing Order at the beginning of each month. The monthly fee is calculated as follows:
(Weekly fee x 48 weeks) / 12
OR
((session fee x number of sessions per week) x 48 weeks) / 12
| Weekly fees | |
|---|---|
| 0 - 2 years | £160.00 |
| 2 - 3 years | £135.00 |
| 3 - 5 years | £125.00 |
| Daily Fees | Full Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 2 years | £32.00 | £18.00 | £16.50 |
| 2 - 3 years | £27.00 | £16.00 | £14.00 |
| 3 - 5 years | £25.00 | £15.00 | £13.50 |