Great nursery in Barnes

Our Philosophy... love, care, and learning that's fun!

Welcome

My name is Lisa Lowden, owner of Sunshine Nursery in Barnes, a privately run setting established in 2008. I have been involved in childcare for many years whilst bringing up my own child and can't imagine doing anything else! I am very much aware that as parents there are so many things to consider when choosing childcare for your little one. 

First of all, will they be safe? Will they settle? Followed by what will they be doing at nursery? Am I doing the right thing, as I have never left him/her before?

These are just a few of the questions you may be asking yourself. This website hopes to help answer as many questions as possible but I always recommend any parent to arrange a visit to come and see us. We are a very friendly and welcoming team at the nursery, and are always happy to talk to parents.

This of course will help you and your child to view our nursery, as well as meeting the staffand children. Choosing the right nursery for your child should be an exciting time for all the family. We hope that the information provided will encourage you to come and visit us.

We very much look forward to hearing from you soon!
We had our Ofsted inspection on 15th November 2022 and received an 'Good' rating, of which we are very proud.
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Why choose Sunshine Nursery?

In 2008 we created a small, friendly and happy environment where children can thrive - and that is what we continue to provide today. We know that successful learning and development starts with love and care. We offer a fun and stimulating learning environment and ensure that your child develops the essential physical, emotional and intellectual confidence that they need for their future.... and confidence and peace of mind for you.

Whether you are a new parent leaving a child for the first time or a returning parent who already knows about the consistent value that we add to family life, you can be confident that your child will receive the very best loving care and attention. We only employ well-qualified and experienced staff. You want peace of mind knowing that your child is happy and secure, so call and come and meet us. We'll personally show you around and discuss you and your child's needs. We're certain you'll find that the Sunshine Nursery provides the best possible start for your child. Children attend Sunshine from two years old.

Our daily routine and curriculum

Parents and carers are encouraged to come into the nursery each morning and settle their child. Children will have a picture peg on which to hang their coat, before exploring the activities on offer to them. We have a wide range of toys from role-play to small world play, jigsaws, painting, construction toys and sorting play dough. There is also sand water play available, using lots of equipment like pouring instruments, coloured water, boats, sea creatures, washing babies and buckets, spade and mark making tools. 

We also have a quiet corner where children can have a story read to them, or they can look at books on their own. We do have a fantastic large outside area that we use as an extension of the hall, and we will go outside in all weather. There is a huge sandpit, slide, wooden house, swings and other outdoor equipment. Physical activities are offered to all children every day, such as hoops, stilts, throwing, catching, obstacle courses, circle songs, Yoga and relaxation.
During free play, there will also be adult-led art activities related to the theme we are learning about, for example colours or nursery rhymes. Each child is allocated a key person who is responsible for your child's learning and wellbeing. During free play, each key person will ensure that they spend some time with your child to talk to them, do a jigsaw, read a book, look at colours and observe them at play.
The children will be offered a healthy snack (provided by the nursery) between 10.00-11.00am, which will be supervised by a teacher. It is a snack trolley that the children can use to help themselves, and learn independence and sharing. We will then have a short circle time, during which the register is taken (when children enter the nursery a teacher will have marked them down) with the children. We then talk about the weather, day, date, season, any special birthdays or special events the children want to talk about. We celebrate and learn about festivals such as Easter, Diwali and Chinese New Year. We also introduce the children to the Spanish, Makaton, letter sounds, and number rhymes once a week during circle time. The children help to make a visual timetable, which we put out each morning/afternoon to show parents what the children have been doing in that session, alongside a notebook describing the morning/afternoon activities.
During the week we have one day a week that we call “letter sounds”, when we concentrate on a particular letter, and another day called “number rhyming” day. Gradually, the children will learn to recognise letters and numbers, and they will also have the opportunity to practice forming letters and writing their name.

At around 11.20am we have focused activity time, which is when we do physical exercise with all the children. We do this for many reasons; to help focus children, develop social interaction between their peers and teacher, develop teamwork and most importantly to have fun.
Children are encouraged to stay on for lunch time to eat packed lunches, which have been provided by parents/carers. On Fridays we prepare and cook lunch with the children using fresh ingredients. The nursery teachers encourage and assist the children, in order for them to obtain the maximum enjoyment and educational benefit in the activity. After lunch a few children stay on and we have our afternoon session. This begins at 12.30 and continues until 3.30pm, where we do the same as the morning routine but add some different activities so the children who stay all day are able to continue having fun and learning.
On Thursdays we have a music teacher called Mr Ed who visits the nursery to take the children for music and movement, and with his help we prepare a summer concert for parents/carers and friends in the summer term. In addition to learning the words to songs we also introduce the children to Makaton sign language.

We have introduced a "Stay and Play" session once a term, in response to parents' requests to come into nursery and spend time playing with the children. At Christmas in particular, we invite you to come into nursery and share mince pies, which the children make, and play and meet their nursery friends.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Sunshine Nursery follows the government-based framework for learning in the early years called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS is split into four themes: A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning & Development. These four themes are the key principles that underpin effective practice in the care, development and learning of young children. The framework sets out the legal welfare requirements that everyone registered to look after children must follow to keep your child safe and promote their welfare.

A Unique Child

A Unique Child commits to child development, inclusive practice, keeping safe, and health and well-being.

Positive Relationships

Positive Relationships commits to respecting each other, parents and partners, supporting learning and the key person approach.

Enabling Environments

Enabling Environments commits to observation, planning and assessment of children, supporting every child, the learning environment and the wider context (for example, working in partnership with other settings, professionals and community groups).

Learning and Development

Learning and Development is broken down into seven areas which guide professionals' engagement with your child's play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge.
Children should mostly develop the three Prime Areas first: Communication and Language, Physical Development and finally Personal, Social and Emotional Development. These prime areas are those most essential for your child's health, development and future learning. 

As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in four specific areas. These are: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

These seven areas are used to plan your child's learning and activities. We will ensure that the activities are suited to your child's unique needs. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking, which takes place both indoors and outside.

You can find more information about the Early Years Foundation Stage by foundationyears.org.uk.
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