Philosophy

Head Start Nursery School in Ramsey caters for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. It is a small, friendly school with a maximum sessional attendance for 20 children. The school is housed in the modern Rainbow building which has a large car park and incorporates a Doctor’s Surgery, Chemist and Community Resource Centre. To the front of the building is a fenced garden area and porch for outdoor activities as seen in the photograph on the front page.

The school is registered with Ofsted who undertake an inspection every two or three years. The latest report is available at the school or can be accessed on the Internet by dialling www.ofsted.co.uk.

Full and part-time places are offered with flexible hours, pre- and after school hours by arrangement.

The school provides a caring and secure environment for children in which they are encouraged to develop to their full potential. Each child is given opportunities, within his/her own ability, to be creative, to explore, to discover and to achieve. There is time to select, practice, reject and build upon experiences and knowledge.

The independence of children is promoted and social interaction (sharing and co-operation) is encouraged in groups of differing sizes. Each child has their own key worker.

Pre-reading, writing and number skills are taught and developed. The children have the opportunity to use the Oxford Reading Tree materials when they are ready to read. The practical activities are designed to establish a firm foundation for Mathematics at Key Stage 1 in the National Curriculum.The value of imaginative play is recognised and extended with equipment which, where possible, reflects different cultures.

A good relationship with parents is promoted with opportunities for discussion at the beginning and end of the sessions. More formal meetings can be arranged by appointment. A newsletter provides information on subjects being undertaken during the term and all relevant news about the school plus further information about local and national issues for under fives and carers. Boards in the entrance hall are updated daily noting the activities taking place during sessions.

Policies and procedures are available on the website but can be offered as a hard copy if required. Concerns and complaints are taken very seriously at Head Start. If you have any concerns, please speak to the Head Teacher who will advise you on procedures. A register of complaints is kept at the school and is available to any parent to view at any time.

Whilst we are happy to accept children for one session only, dependant on availability, experience has shown us that children settle better if they attend a minimum of two sessions spaced over the week.

Visits

You are welcome to visit the Nursery School at any reasonable time to discuss the school’s philosophy, your child’s requirements or just to look around. Please telephone Adela Costello on the school number 01487 710709 or email
adela.costello@btinernet.com for an appointment.