Welcome to Snowy Owls
Our Snowy Owls room can accommodate 16 children between the age of 3 and 5 years old and our staff:child ratio is 1 to 8 in this room as children are becoming more independent.
Children at this age follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Principles and participate in activities that will gently prepare them for the transition to school. Our team maintains a flexible routine to allow them to meet each child’s individual needs during this important stage of development.
Our Snowy Owls room is next to our garden and we encourage children to move freely between our indoor and outdoor space. We aim to provide many different opportunities for the children to develop and experience the outdoor environment. We have a garden with artificial grass with a variety of activities for the children to enjoy. Healthy, physically active children are more likely to be academically motivated, and physical competence builds self-esteem at every age. We have regular gym time sessions where the children learn listening skills and team work as they join in with group games.
We take the children on a daily walk to the neighbouring nature park, and we also take our Snowy Owls on exciting trips to the local park, food shop, the dance studio within the Braywick Leisure Centre with music, balls, blocks and games, as well as outings to other areas of the gym facility.
Developing Independence
At this age we focus on building the childrens' independence. The children have formed a council which gives them a voice on what resources they would like to see in the room and what activities they would like to do.
Developing independence is a vital factor in a child's development, and supports preschool children in becoming school ready. The Early Years Foundation Stage supports independence stating that every child should learn resilience, confidence and self-assurance. Children’s confidence grows as they learn how to become independent. As they begin to master new skills, they see themselves as being capable.
Meal Times
Meal times provide another opportunity for social interaction and independence. We encourage all Snowy Owl children to self-serve their own meals under close adult supervision. We aim to give the children as much choice as possible at snack time. Our caring team is always close by to lend a hand and encourage good manners.
School Ready
Every day the children practice phonics (phase 1 & 2) using fun and interactive games and activities. We want to instil in our Snowy Owls a lifelong love of reading so children have access to a library where they are encouraged to choose a book once a week to take home and share with parents.
Child Progress
Each child will be allocated a keyworker who they will build a close rapport with. The keyworker will provide daily written feedback on the child’s progress each day. Staff will provide verbal feedback to parents at the end of the day and will discuss your child’s progress each day. We foster an open and cooperative relationship with all parents to ensure we can nurture the needs of each and every Snowy Owl.
What is Provided?
Included within your daily childcare fee is breakfast, snacks, lunch and tea. We ask parents to provide a change of clothes (weather appropriate), and if required please provide nappies and wipes.
Child development
Staff will provide verbal feedback to parents at the end of the day and will discuss your child’s progress each day. We foster an open and cooperative relationship with all parents to ensure we can nurture the needs of each and every Snowy Owl.
Funding
We accept 15 hour funding if your child attends 5 half days or 2 full days per week. We will allocate all 15 hours towards this cost and you would be required to pay the extra hours, and for food and consumables. We also accept 30 hour funding if your child attends 3 to 5 full days per week. For your ease we issue a new monthly payment that takes into account all of these factors so you will be fully aware of the monthly costs. If you would like funded only sessions we can only provide these if we have availability. In this situation, you may need to cover consumable costs. For this option please contact the office and speak to a member of staff. You will be required to fill in a funded only form and may need to join a waiting list.
