Small Steps Day Nurseries are .....

Our Mission Statement

To provide high quality childcare, allowing each child the independence to develop as individuals.

We aim to……….

· Provide a safe, secure environment for all children to have fun whilst parents are working, exercising or using our off site facility.
· Provide high quality childcare in a excellent purpose built environment
· We are committed to a warm, friendly approach that respects the beliefs of each child and family
· We aim to promote a happy, non-discriminatory atmosphere in which children will gain self-esteem, confidence and independence.
· Work in partnership with parents to help children learn and develop

THE STAFF
The Nursery Teams Consists of a Childcare Manager, Childcare Supervisor, and many Childcare Assistants all are fully qualified, experienced and well trained. We work on a key worker system and have many staff trained in specific childcare needs such as Child Protection, Special Needs, Equal opportunities, behaviour management

It is our intention to make our Nurseries genuinely accessible to children and families from all sections of the local community. We welcome mothers and fathers, family relations, carers and people from all cultural, ethnic, religious and social groups with or without disabilities.
We offer care for children aged from birth upwards.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED
It is our view that Parents/carers are the first educators of their young children, Small steps aim is to support parents in their essential role and to ensure parents/carers feel a part of our Nurseries. Every parent will receive a full information pack, making them aware of how the nurseries runs and all our policies. Your child will have a daily record sheet; this will give you details of activities your child has participated in and any other information. We observe and assess your children to ensure we are providing a structured and varied environment. We hope all parents feel part of Small Steps and we work towards 4 key parental rights: Ensuring parents are valued and respected, kept informed, consulted and regularly involved.

WHO DO WE WORK WITH?
We are registered and inspected by Ofsted and work strictly to the requirements of The Early Years Foundation Stage. We work closely with Southends Early Years and Childhood Department, the local Department for Education Skills. We are a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, and work in accordance with all relevant legislation including; Special Educational Needs Disability Act 2001, Race Relations Act 1976, Race Relations Amendment Act 2000, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and also the Children’s Act 1989

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Our aim is to show respectful awareness of all the major events in the lives of the children and families in the nursery and in our society as a whole and to welcome the diversity from which they come. All children are given Equal Opportunities with due regard to gender, ethnic background, religion, family situation or special educational needs.

HEALTHY EATING AND HEALTHY LIVING
As we are situated in an environment designed to improve health and well-being all food/drink provided will be in accordance with the Healthy Eating Framework. Your own food/drink can be provided, however we do ask parents to recognise the importance of healthy eating with food/drink provided. Our nursery promotes a healthy lifestyle and a high standard of hygiene in its day-to-day work with children and adults.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
We believe that the health and safety and well being of children is of paramount importance and is number one priority. We check our equipment and nursery room on a regular basis throughout the day for safety.

SPECIAL NEEDS
Small Steps will care for the developmental needs of each child in the group. All children in the group irrespective of their special needs are encouraged wherever possible and appropriate to participate in all the groups activities with the assistance of our trained SENCO (Special Needs) Co-ordinator.

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
The aim within our childcare is to promote acceptable behaviour and respect for others.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN
We comply with the procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and with thorough internal procedures. We create in our nurseries an environment in which children are safe and well cared for.

CUSTOMER CARE
Small Steps adopts an approach of quality, care and excellence in all aspects of service delivery to ensure the highest standard of customer care. We believe children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to there needs and wishes.

We invite you all to come down to our fantastic nursery at Small Steps……..The Right Steps