Nursery World Awards 2021 - Working with Babies and Toddlers

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The two baby and toddler rooms at the Outstanding-rated Hale Day Nursery cater for children from birth to 16 months and 16 months to two years old. Both rooms are fully equipped playrooms consisting of a variety of areas supporting children’s holistic learning in all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Birth to 16-month-olds are cared for by three full-time practitioners. Up to 12 children per day are accommodated across two open-plan areas separated by an arched opening, allowing ample space for children to explore the room, with one side equipped for sleeping with coracles and mattresses.

Sensory and heuristic play is offered daily, and babies have a chance to take part in experiences such as painting, water play, sand play, messy play, music, baby massage, reading, and trips out of the setting.

Up to 12 older babies are looked after by four full-time practitioners. The large room for older babies and toddlers includes a home corner, construction area and small world area. There is also a small annex used as a cosy area to provide children with a communication-friendly space.

Both rooms have all-day access to a large, well-equipped outdoor area, while younger babies benefit from access to their own gated garden, providing them with a safe space to explore.

The baby and toddler rooms help improve outcomes for children by upholding all the key themes of the EYFS. Staff increase children’s cultural capital through rich and varied activities and experiences. The approach to learning at Hale is tailored to each individual child and values their interests and opinions. The focus on the Prime Areas of Learning in the baby and toddler rooms ensures that children are given time to lay the foundations of learning which will propel them through the rest of their lives.

Successful parent partnerships are at the heart of all work at Hale. Parents are included in every facet of nursery life, and right from the initial nursery tour and registration, the aim is for the whole family to feel welcome, well informed and well supported by the nursery and its practitioners.

Baby and toddler room staff recognise that understanding children’s home lives will improve outcomes. Stay and play sessions help parents, children and staff to get to know each other and form close bonds. Parents’ views are sought and respected, and feedback is acted on appropriately. Families are given ideas and encouragement to support their child’s learning at home.

Children’s progress is shared with parents at regular intervals and any support or interventions are applied quickly and with sensitivity. Parents regularly give glowing feedback to the nursery about their experiences.

Staff benefit from the opportunity to work in a supportive environment that values their contribution, celebrates their achievements, fosters their creativity, and champions their continuous professional development.

Those working in the baby and toddler rooms have recently accessed training on areas such as attachment, safer working practices, safeguarding and baby development. Courses are chosen to complement the needs of the children in these groups and are relevant to the strengths, interests, and gaps in knowledge of each staff member. Peer observation is encouraged, and staff benefit from constructive feedback from their colleagues to help improve their practice.

CRITERION

For early years provision displaying exemplary practice in working with the youngest children.