Freshwater Early Years Centre
About Us
Here at Freshwater Early Years Centre, we aim to provide a happy, safe, caring environment where our children are encouraged to meet their full potential in all areas of development.
All our staff are highly qualified in the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and hold current Paediatric first aid certificates. We operate a key person system whereby every member of our staff oversees the development of a small group of children. in this way, we can plan activities specifically for each child’s individual needs.
At Freshwater Early Years Centre, we maintain an "open door" policy and warmly invite you and your child to visit at your convenience for a tour and an opportunity to meet our dedicated team.
Our Building…
Our Building consists of 2 large playrooms with one playroom split into two – This room is for our Bumblebees and Caterpillars and the other room is for our Butterflies. We also have an extensive garden that the children have unlimited access to.
We have been providing early years care and education for over 20 years. Our pre-school was started at the Parish Hall, Victoria Road. The group then moved into the grounds of All Saints Primary School in 1993 using a mobile building which was generously donated by the school. This single building proved not to be large enough to cater for the rapidly expanding group and the second mobile was put in place in 2000. In April 2006 work began on building a purpose-built nursery on the site of the previous mobiles. All the staff and children were temporarily moved to into All Saints Primary School to await the new building. This building was completed and we moved in October 2006.
Bumblebees (3mths - 2yrs)
This is where your babies journey starts with us here at Freshwater Early Years Centre. We understand it can be a very anxious time for parents/carers putting their child into a playgroup for the first time. We want to help you feel comfortable in knowing your child is safe and having fun. Our baby room is a well-lit open space for your child to play. Our aim is to create a calm, caring, nurturing environment for your child to build and develop a positive attachment to their key person and over time their peers. Our baby room is well equipped with age-appropriate toys and activities to help your child develop in a fun and stimulating environment. Our baby room has changing facilities, cots for sleeping and dining facilities.
Caterpillars(Age 2 - 3)
Children become caterpillars from the age of 2 years of age. As some children are very young caterpillars, we focus on settling in and the routines of the setting for example snack café, lunch times etc. There is lots of messy play and we encourage children to get involved and use their senses to explore various materials and equipment. Children are free to explore their surroundings including the outside area throughout the day with the support of their individual key person (if needed). As children begin to feel more confident within their surroundings, we begin building on more complex skills by working with each child as an individual. Once the caterpillars are familiar with their surroundings, we begin to take them out and about, for example, the library.
Butterflies (Age 3-4)
Children become ladybirds the September before they go to school. If children have attended the setting when being a caterpillar, they will have a secure presence in the setting. Even though this room is still very much free flow play also more structure will begin to happen. Activities are accessible throughout the day with many opportunities to explore and make use of equipment. Children in this room begin learning about school routines and eventually will be taking part in school transitions
(To wherever you wish to send them). The children in this room get to go out and explore our local community. We take the group swimming every Friday to the local Sports Centre. We also go on an Adventure Walk, taking the children to Golden Hill Fort or to the river Yar to feed the ducks.
Our Garden…
Our extensive garden area is able to be accessed freely and has everything your child would need from the outdoors – from a mud kitchen, water play area, stage, role-play, reading, climbing and exercising.
As Butterfly children they will be able to enjoy being a part of the community with visits to the library, use of the local swimming pool on a weekly, having picnics in the play park and go on walks while admiring the wonderful wildlife and greenery that the West Wight has to offer. During your child’s time with us, they will also have the opportunity to take trips to the local shops, doctors, dentist and fire station.
Policies
Policies and procedures play a vital role in ensuring that we deliver high-quality services in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). They inform both staff and parents about the childcare services we provide and the practices we follow to achieve our goals. According to the EYFS guidelines, we are required to have documented policies and procedures in place. Staff members receive training during their induction process to ensure they comprehend and can effectively implement these policies and procedures. Additionally, we strive to make sure that our policies and procedures are easily accessible to parents.
These policies and procedures are available for parents/carers of enrolled children via your child’s Tapestry account or alternatively there is a folder in the bobby for you to have a look through.
What People Are Saying
“Layla started at Freshwater Early Years Centre when she had not long turned 2 years old, she was very shy and did not want to leave my side, all the staff were extremely supportive and gave Layla the care she needed. Now Layla has grown into a confident, kind and clever little girl thanks to all the amazing staff at Freshwater Early Years. I cannot thank each and every one of them enough as they have played an important part in who she is today. Layla has made some great friends and learnt so much during her time here and I can honestly say she has had the best time. I cannot recommend this nursery enough!! “
— Layla aged 4 1/2 years
“Millie has been attending Freshwater Early Years since she turned two. she has thoroughly enjoyed her time here and wishes she could attend 7 days a week; she particularly enjoys going swimming which she has gained lots of confidence in. It certainly has got her ready for school this coming September.”
— Millie aged 4 1/2 years
“Athena started playgroup a few months ago and as a parent, I was anxious on how she would find it to be away from me for a while. since Athena’s very first day! All the staff and children were so friendly and welcoming towards Athena and myself. They made Athena feel right at home and with the help, support and caring nature that Freshwater Early years give, it didn’t take long for Athena to settle in. Now she loves every day she’s there and has made so many new friends! “
— Athena aged 3 years
“My daughter loves going to Freshwater Early Years Centre. The first day she was made so welcome and explored the setting. All the teachers made her feel comfortable and relaxed. She didn't want to leave after that and has been going ever since. She has learnt and grown so much whilst there. She loves playschool days now and it’s all because of the lovely teachers.”
— Miylah aged 3 years
“ My little girl is really enjoying her time at nursery. My little girl has come on with her singing songs and more. The staff are brilliant. My little one is always rushing to get to the nursery. “
— Jade (Mum)