Nursery World Awards 2023 – Working with Babies and Toddlers

Caring for babies and toddlers is a special focus at Snapdragons, which has ten nurseries. It is ensured that babies follow their own path to develop into resilient, confident, curious individuals with the capacity to experience joy and succeed.

Staff receive targeted training on understanding the importance of nurturing environments that take account of individual routines using close partnership with parents. This is becoming increasingly important as babies are attending nursery earlier, some as young as four months old, and there are more full-time babies. In response to the growing numbers of very young children, Snapdragons Keynsham has developed two additional buildings in the nursery grounds – the ‘Baby Cottage’ and ‘Baby Barn’.

The group takes care to develop policies and training tailored to the youngest children, alongside regular reflection. It believes very young babies in nursery deserve the same nurturing, affectionate care and education as they would if they were at home. In support of this, staff aim to create baby and toddler environments that respect emotional and physical needs. They provide environments that nurture and cocoon, giving space to rest and space to be stimulated and, above all, the space to grow physically and emotionally.

The nurseries have a Caring for Under Twos policy and staff receive special baby room induction. This includes sessions on nappy changing and the importance of respect and interaction while changing nappies – singing songs, giving eye contact and reassurance – and the importance of making bottle-feeding times quiet and special.

Snapdragons’ audit guides staff through every aspect of the children’s experience. It encourages staff to put themselves in the shoes of the child and develop a strong empathy with their experiences. Staff are supported to be confident in their own knowledge and be passionate about giving babies the best start – to respect parents’ wishes but also have the experience to gently guide when needed.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Kids Planet – Wallasey

A separate ‘babyhouse’ at the Wallasey day nursery is designed specifically for babies. The homely environment aims to ease the transition into a nursery environment, and staff, who have completed specialist training, are chosen for their aptitude to work with babies. They understand the importance of nurture, and a robust key worker enables babies to build strong bonds and attachments.

Play areas are beautifully resourced with an array of unique, interesting objects that entice the babies to explore all their senses. Parents are invited to join classes with their babies, which supports them and creates a friendly community.

FINALISTS

• Blue Giraffe Childcare – Worcestershire

• Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries – Northolt

CRITERION

Displaying exemplary practice in caring for and educating the youngest children, meeting individual needs.