Whizz-Kids Nursery The Quest Centre

Scout Way Mill Hill

London NW7 3JW T: (020) 8959 5556 F: (020) 8201 1110

E:info@WhizzKidsNursery.com

Why is Whizz-Kids Nursery

a great place to learn?

• Preface

• Introduction

• Our Aims

• The Curriculum

• Admission

• Nursery Uniform

• Settling Your Child Into The Group

• Safe Collection of Your Child

• Toilet Training

• Absences

• Any Concerns

• Registration

• Schools that Whizz-Kids’ Children Have Moved On To

• Head Teacher

• Staff

Page 1 of 11

PREFACE

Whizz-Kids Nursery has been operating for over Twenty two successful years, providing a stimulating and broad programme of pre-school education through which based upon the Early Years Foundation Curriculum (E.Y.F.S.). Individual children are encouraged to reach their full potential. We aim to encourage a love of learning and a spirit of enquiry in all our children. The development of good relations between parents and the Nursery is paramount. The best way to understand the day to day running of the Nursery is to experience it, I do hope you will be able to visit us. You will always be assured of a very warm welcome. Gillian J Liu B. Ed (Hons) Head Teacher

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INTRODUCTION

Whizz-Kids, a private nursery, is situated at the Quest Centre, Scout Way, Mill Hill, with easy access from Selvage Lane. At Whizz-Kids we provide care for children from 2 to 5 years. Qualified and experienced staff are in charge of the children at a ratio of 1:5 for the 3 to 5 year olds whilst the younger children enjoy the benefit of their own playroom with a staff ratio of 1:4. Whizz-Kids is registered with Ofsted, and operates Monday to Friday with three terms a year. • The morning session begins at 9.30 AM and finishes at

12.15 PM. • The afternoon session begins from 12.15 PM to 2.45 PM. • There are also complete separate afternoon sessions

beginning at 12.30 PM to 3.00 PM for children who want to attend afternoon sessions only.

Whizz-Kids is Ofsted registered. Our last Ofsted Inspection was carried out in July 2011 when we received a judgement of “Good”. A copy of our latest Ofsted report is displayed on the Nursery Premises or can be downloaded from the Whizz Kids Website. Should you wish to visit Whizz-Kids, please phone Mrs Gillian Liu on (020) 8959-5556

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OUR AIMS

To ensure that all children achieve their full potential in all areas of the early years foundation stage curriculum. To provide a happy secure and challenging environment where all children are able to develop their knowledge and social skills and grow in confidence and independence. To encourage all children to respect themselves, each other and the environment in which they live. To help and advise parents with their child’s transition into full time education.

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THE CURRICULUM

Whizz-Kids offers a comprehensive pre-school curriculum based upon The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (E.Y.F.S.). Basic literacy and numeracy skills are taught using a well planned and structured approach. Children are taught both individually to suit their stage of development and in small groups by qualified members of staff. Other activities include creative, music, movement, science, construction, cooking, technology skills, role play, story telling, physical and outdoor play. The early year’s curriculum is approached in a practical way. The Nursery is arranged in such a way that the children can take part in these practical activities in an independent manner. All activities are carefully planned and supervised in order that all the children are motivated to gain experiences in all aspects of the curriculum. The curriculum is approached taking into account observations, the individual’s needs and interests of the children. Activities are planned around the recommended seven areas of learning – Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Communication and Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the world, and Expressive arts and design.

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ADMISSION

Children are admitted on a first come first served basis. At the age of 2 years, every endeavour is made to identify and secure appropriate provision for children who have special educational needs. It is our policy that we meet the needs of every child in the Nursery, from the more able to those experiencing difficulty accessing the curriculum. Whizz-Kids is a fully inclusive Nursery, we operate on “open door policy”. Whizz Kids is not part of the Government Free Nursery Entitlement scheme. Nursery fees are to be met by parents in full on a termly basis or ½ termly basis. Online payment methods are also available to parents for convenience. We accept parents’ work place nursery vouchers. Please also see enclosed attached sheet for the nursery fees for the current academic year. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the Nursery via their child’s key worker who will be assigned to the child as soon as they start the Nursery. Any concerns with your child can also be discussed with Mrs Liu. During the half term prior to entry, a visit to the Nursery will be arranged for you and your child for a morning / afternoon, with the children starting in the same group, to give you and your child a taste of pre-school. You will also be offered a home visit from your child’s key worker to help you complete the necessary paperwork and get to know your child in their home environment the term before they join the Nursery. Children commence according to their date of birth following their second birthday subject to availability, and will start in the our Rainbow class of 2 to 3 years olds. They may attend a minimum of 3 sessions per week. Children who commence aged 3 plus will usually be integrated into our Sunshine class of 3 to 5 years olds, where it is recommended that children should attend the full five sessions.

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NURSERY UNIFORM

Whizz-Kids children wear a compulsory uniform of polo shirt and jogging Suit purchased from the Nursery. (Prices are provided on request). In the summer the children may wear Whizz Kids shorts and T shirts, girls may wear Whizz Kids summer dresses. Shoes should be well-fitting with non-slip soles. Each child is required to have a Whizz-Kids “book bag”, clothes bag and cap. In addition they will also require a Whizz-Kids’ waterproof coat for daily outside play and outings.

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SETTLING YOUR CHILD INTO THE GROUP

Some children adjust to separation quickly, whilst others take much longer. We operate a gentle transition programme over the first 3 weeks of attendance to ensure a happy transition from home onto the nursery environment. Do be patient, and be prepared to stay at the Group with your child until he/she is happily settled. Children may bring a favourite toy or comforter with them. Please always ensure that your child is accompanied into the playroom before you leave the premises.

before you leave the premises.

SAFE COLLECTION OF YOUR CHILDREN

Please let Mrs Liu know in writing if someone other than yourself will be collecting your child at any time. We are unable to release your child into the care of another adult without this consent. Once your child has been collected at the end of the session, Whizz-Kids can no longer be held responsible for your child, even though he/she may still be on the premises. Please note that children under the age of 14 may not be responsible for collecting children. We need to be introduced to anyone whom you may wish to collect your child on your behalf names and photographs need to be recorded in your child’s profile. Please be on time to collect your child at the end of each session. Your child has to learn that you are going to return. It can be very distressing for a little one when other parents

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TOILET TRAINING

Children coming to Whizz-Kids should ideally be able to toilet themselves but this is not compulsory as some children “train” earlier than others. “Accidents” will happen and we will change their clothes where necessary. Don’t be cross, but if it happens regularly check that there is no medical problem or something worrying your child. Please ensure your child has a set of spare clothing in a Whizz-Kids’ bag stored on their peg in Nursery at all times. Please wash clothing that has been lent and return as soon as possible to the Nursery.

ABSENCES

Please keep your child at home if he/she is unwell. We do keep a register of attendance in the Nursery and if your child is absent through illness or other reasons, please notify us either by telephone or a note on return to Nursery. If your child becomes ill while at Nursery we will notify you as soon as possible. The Nursery staff can only administer medicines prescribed for your child with your signed consent.

ANY CONCERNS

It is our aims to ensure that you and your child have the most positive and enjoyable start to his/her early education. If you have any worries regarding your child or child’s provision at Nursery, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Liu at any time.

REGISTRATION

Details of the registration procedure, fees and dates of the terms are enclosed with this brochure.

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SCHOOLS THAT WHIZZ-KIDS’ CHILDREN HAVE MOVED ON TO INCLUDE :

• Goodwyn School • Haberdashers for Girls Courtlands Infants • Holland House Deansbrook Infants • Manor Lodge Lochinver House • Northwood Prep. Lyonsdown – Barnet • North London Collegiate St. Pauls Infants • Orley Farm St. Vincents Infants • Radlett Prep • St. Helens – Northwood • St. Margarets, Bushey • St. Martins – Mill Hill • St. Johns – Northwood

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HEAD TEACHER

Mrs Gillian Liu graduated from University of East Anglia with an Honours degree in Education. Mrs Liu has over 28 years teaching experience in infants schools specialising in language and mathematics. Mrs Liu has provided consultancy work for schools on art and language projects. Mrs Liu is an author of a series of pre-school education reading and exercise books. One of her books, “How Do you Feel” is recommended as reading material for the English SATS test for 7 years old. STAFF

Mrs Margaret Zohreh is the deputy of the nursery she has been with Whizz Kids for 8 years and holds an NVQ3.In addition to her management role, Margaret is also responsible for the development of children aged from 2 to 3 years in the Rainbow Class at the nursery, and is the EYFS co-ordinator in the Rainbow class. There are 8 other members of staff at the nursery. Of which 6 hold an NVQ3 or equivalent qualification. We aim to provide a high ratio between children and staff above the recommendations set out by Ofsted, to ensure that the children receive maximum attention from the staff. Our staff retention is high. Most of the nursery staff has been with the nursery for many years ensuring continuity of care and teaching to all the children throughout their early years of education. All the staff are key workers allocated to individual children in order to encourage close communication links between nursery and home. We advocate close home /school liaison and all children entering the Nursery are given the opportunity to have a “home visit” from the staff prior to entry. Page 11 of 11