Hedgehogs is our Nursery provision for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. Our Nursery offers a safe, happy and stimulating environment for your child to develop and thrive. Through rich teaching and play-based learning your child will receive the best early start to their education.
Throughout their time with us our children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage ‘Development Matters’ curriculum. The children enjoy a mix of free-flow and small group activities whereby they can access a well-resourced environment, indoors and out.
Children moving from Hedgehogs Nursery to St Mary's Primary School will already be familiar with the environment, staff, and routines. We have found that this reduces any apprehension and promotes a seamless transition when the time comes to move to Reception class.
Your child will come for a settling-in visit which is usually during the week before their first full session starts. They will come into Hedgehogs for two hours with a parent or carer, will meet with their key person, be introduced to the nursery environment and meet some new friends. During this session your child's key person will speak with you about your child and discuss any needs or questions you may have. We recommend that once your child settles that you leave them with us for a little bit so they can explore on their own. Some children may require more than one session using this approach to settle but for the majority this will be enough for them before they start their first session.
This time is an ideal opportunity for you to complete any paperwork with the school office and ensure you are signed up to our communication Apps, including Seesaw and Parent Pay.
Session Times
When your child arrives in Hedgehogs, we encourage them to say their goodbyes to you, come in and hang up their bag and coat.
The children then have free access to the continuous provision provided as their friends arrive.
At 9:30 am we have our morning ‘Circle Time’ where the children sing Good Morning to one another, find out which day of the week it is and see what the weather is doing.
During the children's morning ‘explore time’ there is an opportunity for our older children to take part in ‘sounds time’ where we look at a letter of the alphabet and use our listening ears to hear sounds around us.
Snacks are available from 10am and the children are able to access their water bottles throughout the morning.
Our lunch session starts at 12pm and is eaten in the school dinner hall. Hedgehogs children go into the hall earlier than the rest of the school so a more intimate experience can be created. Once the children have finished their lunch they return to the nursery for their outdoor play.
During the afternoon the children have another opportunity to take part in an adult-led activity whilst experiencing ‘explore time’.
Snacks are available from 2.00pm.
2.50pm is time to gather our things and get ready for going home at 3pm.
At Hedgehogs we are always available if you need to speak to us about your child's needs. Before and after school is always a good time for a chat but these times can sometimes be a little busy. If you require a more in-depth chat then we can do so by telephone or you can make an appointment with us. Please call the School Office on 01761 470245 who will take a message or you can email office@stmarys.mnsp.org.uk or contact us on Seesaw.
In addition to daily conversations we have parents meetings 3 times a year and we invite parents into our termly ‘Parent Workshops’. These take place on different days each term and focus on various areas of the curriculum.
You have been your child’s first teacher and will continue to be the greatest influence in their life. We are privileged to have been chosen by you to be part of your child's journey and as such we will work with you to ensure that we provide a secure, happy, caring and inclusive environment where your child will continue to thrive and flourish.
Topmarks Select early years in age group option and this will allow you a few free maths games.
Action for Healthy Kids This link will open a page that is full of links to a variety of physical activity, play and discovery sites
Twinkl Here you will find a variety of topics and activities available for free.
CBeebies There are a wide selection of games and activities available for literacy and numeracy as well as other popular topics.
Phonics Play Early phonics games, resources and activities!