Welcome to the Sherfield Early Years Centre
Vision,MissionandCoreValues
OUR VISION
To provide a ‘Home Away From Home’.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide a home from home environment where all children can thrive and flourish, prepare for life and contribute to society.
OUR CORE VALUES
We are creative through being Explorers, Discoverers, Investigators, and Inventors. We are a community as we foster a family environment. We are confident as we provide opportunities, ch pathways for learning.
Sherfield Early Years Centre
OurRooms
AT A GLANCE
CATERPILLARS
Our Caterpillar room is for children aged 3 to 16 months. In this room we try to encourage the children to learn through sensory and explorative play. With this we are inspired by the curiosity approach which is to create a very natural and curious environment for children to thrive and flourish which is our pedagogy.
LADYBIRDS
Our Ladybird room is for children aged 16 to 24 months. In this room we encourage children to further their learning through discovery and adventure as they explore schemas and create strengthen relationships with others.
BUTTERFLIES
Our Butterflies room is for children aged 2 to 3 years. In this room we try to encourage the children to become investigators where children can lead their own learning with the guidance and support of the adults around them. Within this room we begin to encourage basic independent skills such as potty training and following directions.
SUN CREAM
Whatyourchildwillneed
The Early Years Centre provides Sun cream and will be Factor 50 sensitive and suitable for young children. We would ask if parents would apply sun cream to their child before coming into the Early Years Centre and we will reapply as necessary throughout the day. We will applied by you in the morning unless we are notified
CATERPILLARS
Bag of change of clothes/dribble bibs
Weather appropriate coat/jacket/all-in-one
Shoes (if walking)
Comforters (if any)
Hat (sun/winter)
Nappy cream (to keep at the Early Years Centre)
Formula (to keep at the Early Years Centre)
LADYBIRDS
Bag of change of clothes/dribble bibs
Weather appropriate coat/jacket/all-in-one
Shoes/wellington boots
Comforters (if any)
Hat (sun/winter)
Nappy cream (to keep at the Early Years Centre)
Labelled water bottle (to hold water only)
(All nappies and wipes are provided up until they move into Pre Reception)
Whatyourchildwillneed
BUTTERFLIES
Bag of change of clothes
Weather appropriate coat/jacket/all-in-one
Shoes/wellington boots
Comforters (if any)
Hat (sun/winter)
Nappy cream (to keep at the Early Years Centre)
Labelled water bottle (to hold water only)
Routines
CATERPILLARS
7:30-8:00am - Breakfast
8:00-10:00am - Free Play and Exploration
10:00-10:15am - Snack
10:15-11:15am - Walk / Garden Play / Child-Led Learning
11:15-11:30am - Song / Story Time
11:30am-12:15pm - Lunch
12:15-2:00/2:30pm - Sleep Time (dependent on individual child)
2:00-2:15pm - Snack
2:15-3:45pm - Free Play and Exploration
3:45-4:00pm - Song / Story Time
4:00-4:30pm - Tea
4:30-6:00pm - Free Play and Exploration
Routines
LADYBIRDS
7:30-8:00am - Breakfast
8:00-9:00am - Free Play
9:00-9:15am - Register and Song Time
9:15-10:00am - Free Play
10:00-10:15am - Snack
10:15-11:15am - Adult / Child-Led Learning
11:15-11:30am - Song / Story Time
11:30am-12:15pm - Lunch
12:15-2:00/2:30pm - Sleep Time (dependent on individual child)
2:00-2:15pm - Snack
2:15-3:45pm - Free Play and Discovery
3:45-4:00pm - Song / Story Time
4:00-4:30pm - Tea
4:30-6:00pm - Free Play and Discovery
Routines
BUTTERFLIES
7:30-8:00am - Breakfast
8:00-9:30am - Free Play
9:30-10:00am - Welcome Group Time
10:00-10:15am - Snack
Twice a week they visit the library. Once a week they do yoga. Once a week they explore three world languagesFrench, German and Spanish.
10:15-11:15am - Adult / Child-Led Learning through structured activities
11:15-11:30am - Song / Story Time
11:30am-12:15pm - Lunch
12:15-2:00pm - Sleep Time (dependent on individual child)
2:00-2:15pm - Snack
2:15-3:45pm - Adult / Child-Led Learning through structured activities
3:45-4:00pm - Song / Story Time
4:00-4:30pm - Tea
4:30-6:00pm - Free Play and Discovery
Staff
We are proud of our highly experienced and dedicated EYFS team.
For an updated staff list for all rooms please scan the QR code below or click here:
EventsandExtra-Curricular
Below are some examples of Early Years Centre events that take place throughout the year. All events can be views on the school’s SOCs calendar.
Parents' Coffee Morning
Valentine's Afternoon Tea and Pink or Red Dress Up
Pancake Day
World Book Day Dress Up
Mother's Day Tea Party
Family Fun Day
Armed Forces Dress Up Day
Jeans for Genes Day
Professional Photography Session
Paddington Picnic
Wear It Pink Dress Up Day
Halloween Dress Up
Children In Need/Red Nose Day
Fireworks Spectacular
Nursery Rhyme Dress Up
Cheese and Wine Evening for Parents
Christmas Fair and Market
Christmas Lunch
Christmas Jumper Day
Green and Red Dress Up
Activity Mornings for Parents and Grandparents
Extra-curricular activity examples include:
'Incredible Eggs' Hatching Chicks
Miller's Ark Mobile Farm Visit
Zoolab Visit (Animal Encounters)
Communication
PARENTMAIL AND NEWSLETTERS
We use ParentMail to communicate with parents. You can access your account online at: https://pmx.parentmail.co.uk but it is advisable to download the ParentMail App to allow full functionality.
We also send out weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters to the whole school, an EYFS newsletter every half term.
TAPESTRY
We share a learning journal through Tapestry, an online platform, showing photographs and observations of what the children have been doing during the week.
Years Centre
Parents'EveningsandReports
PARENTS' EVENINGS
We hold parent's evenings twice a year in October and April. These are an opportunity for parent's to visit the rooms and meet the staff to ask questions.
REPORTS
There is continuous assessment of each area of development to ensure each child’s steady progress.
We liaise closely with parents and other carers/settings to make sure we have a full and accurate understanding of each child upon entry to Early Years. We also welcome regular feedback from parents about their child’s progress at home, through discussion, a brief note, email attaching photographs or a video clip.
After careful monitoring we produce an initial, detailed assessment. We then undertake continuous observation and assessment throughout a child’s time at Sherfield Early Years Centre, particularly using Tapestry. We post full reports on Tapestry twice a year and carry out a two year check.
TermDates
AUTUMN TERM 2024 (September to December)
Term: Monday 2 September to Friday 13 December
Half Term Wrap Around: Monday 21 October to Friday 1 November*
Christmas Wrap Around: Monday 16 December to Friday 20 December*
Christmas Closure: Monday 23 December to Friday 3 January
SPRING TERM 2025 (January to April)
Term: Monday 6 January to Friday 4 April
Half Term Wrap Around: Monday 17 February to Friday 21 February*
Easter Wrap Around: Monday 7 April to Friday 11 April and Tuesday 22 April to Thursday 24 April*
Easter Closure: Monday 14 April to Monday 21 April and Friday 25 April
SUMMER TERM 2025 (April to July)
Term: Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July
Bank Holiday Closure: Monday 5 and 26 May
Half Term Wrap Around: Tuesday 27 May to Friday 30 May*
Summer Wrap Around: Friday 7 July to Thursday 14 August*
Summer Closure: Friday 15 August to Friday 29 August
All dates are inclusive
*Wrap around care for children attending 48 weeks only
Sherfield Early Years Centre
ORGANISATION
The whole of the curriculum is delivered in our vibrant and well resourced indoor and outdoor areas, which are carefully planned to cover each area of development.
All the rooms are resourced for the teaching of all seven areas of EYFS learning.
The outdoor provision includes safe, enclosed environments where exploration, investigation and physical developmental needs are met through a wealth of experiences and variety of provision.
We have plenty of buggies so that all our Early Years Centre children enjoy frequent walks and experience the nature and wildlife in Sherfield School's beautiful surroundings.
SESSIONS
We offer flexible term time only or 48 weeks a year sessions to suit your needs. Our 'school day' is 8:30 to 15:30. Our full day is 7:30 to 18:00 and includes breakfast and tea.
Booking sessions and fees
We believe that Early Years children can reach their full potential only through regular, structured attendance therefore a minimum of three days/sessions is required. If you are interested in any Ad Hoc sessions, these must be booked in advance with our Early Years Centre Managers. Their contact details are at the back of this handbook.
FEES
Our fees can be found on our website - sherfieldschool.co.uk/admissions-fees. You will not be charged for the days the nursery is closed, including bank holidays. Sessions booked are non-refundable.
TERMS OF NOTICE
If you wish to withdraw your child from our Early Years Centre or reduce your child's sessions you must give one full month's notice, in writing. A month’s fees in lieu of notice are charged if notice is not given. For more information please see our Terms and Conditions on our website.
ABSENCE
Absences should be reported to the main reception or your child's room as soon as possible, ideally by telephone. Contact details can be found at the back of this handbook.
Arrival and Collection
If you have booked in for a 'school day' you can drop your child off anytime from 08:30 and collect anytime before 15:30. If you have booked in for a full day you can drop your child off anytime from 07:30 and collect anytime before 18:00.
If you are booked in for a full day and would like your child to have breakfast they must be dropped off at 07:30 and no later than 07:45.
To adhere to statutory requirements in relation to children in Early Years, the school must receive written permission from parents if their child is to be collected by someone who does not usually collect. There is space to put the details and photos of four contacts on the contact form which we keep on file should any of them need to collect your child. Please make sure they know where to go and the appropriate password so that we can follow the safeguarding procedure.
All meals are served in their respective rooms, so drop off and collection is at the entrance to the Caterpillars, Ladybirds or Butterflies rooms respectively.
Food
We work with specialist contract catering company Thomas Franks, a leading independent school caterer who make sure that all our food is locally sourced.
We are a nut aware school and cater for children with other allergies and food intolerances. Please let us know if your child has any specific food requirements by stating them on the medical declaration form.
We offer a healthy and varied three week rolling menu which is changed termly. Our menus can be found here - sherfieldschool.co.uk/food-and-nutrition.
BREAKFAST
Children in our nursery school can enjoy a selection of cereals and toast.
SNACKS
We provide two healthy snacks a day. One at 10:00 and one at 14:00.
LUNCH
Lunch is served at 11:30 in the respective rooms.
TEA
Tea is served in their respective rooms at 16:00 in the Nursery.
Uniform
Caterpillars are not required to wear uniform and it is optional in the Ladybirds room.
Once your child is 2 years old or in Butterflies we ask that the children wear the uniform. Children are able to wear casual clothes during the wrap around periods.
Both boys and girls can choose from the following uniform options (plain with no logos):
Navy blue trousers, navy blue shorts. navy blue leggings or a navy blue pinafore or skirt
Navy blue shorts or a blue and white striped dress (summer option)
Pale blue polo shirt
Navy blue sweatshirt or a navy blue cardigan
Uniform can be purchased from a variety of shops including Sainsburys, Marks and Spencer and Asda.
Shoes should be sensible and well-fitted and suitable for outdoor play. Crocs are not permitted at any time as these present significant slip and trip hazards in the playground. Please also provide your child with a pair of wellington boots.
Please clearly label all items.
Accidents and Illnesses
ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS
As children develop physically, particularly in the early stages of walking, accidents can occasionally happen. In this event, at least 90% of our staff are trained in first aid.
If your child has an accident at the nursery, you will be informed upon collection and asked to sign an accident form.
In the event of a bump to the head, you will be informed immediately by telephone. Your child will be monitored and, in most cases, will be able to continue with their day as normal.
In the event of an accident causing concern, you will be asked to collect your child and a visit to your GP is recommended.
If your child has an accident that requires additional medical support, you will be contacted right away and any necessary action taken. In extreme cases, this could involve calling for the support of paramedics.
ILLNESSES
From time to time, children may become unwell whilst at the Early Years Centre. If this should happen, we will inform you immediately and agree a course of action. We generally follow the guidance for schools and nurseries issued by Public Health England, although we may take a company view and extend the exclusion periods for certain illnesses.
Children may not attend the Early Years Centre whilst infectious and, in the event of sickness and diarrhoea, may not be admitted for 48 hours after the last bout of illness.
Safeguarding and SEN
SAFEGUARDING
To ensure the safety of your child and all of the children who attend nursery, we ask parents do not let anyone into the nursery at drop off and pick up. All children have a password for collection purposes.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN)
Some children may experience difficulties or delays in areas of development. For example, speech and language, social, emotional, behavioural, cognitive and physical difficulties.
Many of these issues will be resolved by parents and carers working with practitioners to devise appropriate early intervention strategies. We can also make referrals to a range of professionals, including speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and occupational therapists when necessary.
If your child has specific medical needs, we will work with you to ensure they are supported. Our team of experienced early years practitioners, led by our highly skilled Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), work alongside children with special educational needs to ensure they learn and develop at Sherfield Early Years Centre.
EarlyYearsCurriculum
In Early Years we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum (for further information, please see the Department for Education website). This Early Years curriculum is enhanced by our own curriculum which also includes the following bespoke programmes - Sticky Kids, World Languages and Yoga. The EYFS consists of the seven areas of learning:
THE PRIME AREAS
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development
Communication and Language
THE SPECIFIC AREAS
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We constantly support the children in every aspect of their day, to encourage a positive attitude, confidence and self-esteem, making relationships, good behaviour and selfcontrol, and self-care.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
We love to build up our physical skills, both indoors and outdoors. We use a wide range of large and small equipment and have many planned activities to build up fine and gross motor skills.
COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE
Communication and language is the foundation of our curriculum. The children are encouraged to actively listen to others, give attention and develop understanding. They have constant opportunities to verbally communicate – to share feelings and thoughts, retell and explain, imagine, anticipate and ask questions.
MATHEMATICS
We have a rich curriculum, so that children can build up their understanding of counting, calculating, shape, numerical patterns, measures and simple problem solving using practical activities. Every child takes part in fun and challenging activities, at the level that is appropriate to them.
UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD
In Early Years, children have a wealth of experiences to help them explore and investigate; gain awe and wonder of the world and past, present and future events; use information and communication technology with confidence, and develop a sense of time and place. We very much enjoy celebrating a range of cultures and beliefs.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS AND DESIGN
Creative activities are a vital part of Early Years – from music sessions to dance in a variety of musical styles. We explore lots of media and materials and use our imagination in roleplay indoors and outdoors.
Detailed planning, based on a specific topic, ensures that each child experiences a rich, varied and challenging curriculum.
Our two-year cycle of half-termly topics include: All About Me, Celebrations, Weather, Water, Spring, Animals, People Who Help Us, Summer and Transport.
BeyondtheEarlyYearsCentre
Sherfield School operates a two-year Reception cycle programme, 'Head Start', from age 3 to 5 which maximises your child's continuous learning and development during what research shows are the most critical years of a child's education and brain development.
With the Early Years Foundation Stage seven areas of learning at its core, this two year programme is the start of their school education at Sherfield and pupils are invited to join the school from Pre-Reception.
Children enter into Pre-Reception, and the school, the September following their third birthday. They are joined by a few additional new pupils. Two terms before they transition to our Reception class they will have the opportunity to spend time in small groups in our 'booster class' which is next to our Reception classes.
Children in Butterflies who are due to start Pre-Reception from that September will be invited to join the programme from the January before. If you do not wish your child to join our Head Start programme / Sherfield School we would need at least one full month's notice, in writing.
Please click here to view our Pre-Reception and Reception handbook for more information about this 2-year programme.
Sherfield Early Years Centre
Suggestions and Feedback
We welcome feedback from parents regarding all aspects of the nursery. Please feel free to discuss any ideas with us in person or email Sophie or Molly using the contact details on the following page. We also send a parent survey out every year which is a chance for you to have your say.
REVIEWS
We would really appreciate a couple of minutes of your time to review Sherfield Early Years Centre. Your review will not only help us better understand our families needs but also help other parents when deciding what nursery to send their children to.
Please scan the QR code below to enter your review:
Sherfield Early Years Centre
General
Information
The full address of the school is:
Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hook, Hampshire RG27 0HU
Telephone Number: 01256 884 800
Website: sherfieldschool.co.uk
Facebook: /SherfieldSchoolHampshire
LEADERSHIP
Head of School: Ms Caroline Taylor
Head of Prep and EYFS: Miss Kelly Dillon k.dillon@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Early Years Centre Manager: Miss Sophie Pe s.percival@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Deputy Early Years Centre Manager: Miss M m.walker@sherfieldschool.co.uk
PHONE NUMBERS
Caterpillars: 01256 884 800 Extension #288
Ladybirds: 01256 884 800 Extension #224
Butterflies: 01256 884 800 Extension #227 and #226
SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Duncan Page d.page@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Deputy DSL (DDSL) - Sophie Percival